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SJR State Press Release
October 2011
SJR State building earns Green Globes rating
While students attending classes in St. Johns River State College's new health-sciences building may admire the facility for its current technology, attractive facade and comfortable accommodations, a more impressive feature to appreciate is the precise planning and measures taken to ensure the building is 50% more energy efficient than a conventionally designed facility.
The College was recently awarded an impressive "green" certification from the Green Building Initiative for its newest facility on the St. Augustine campus. According to SJR State Executive Vice President Melissa Miller, the building has been recognized for its ecological construction and as a model of energy efficiency by receiving three Green Globes - a first within the Florida College System.
While the building's architecture complements the campus's Spanish design, Miller said an earth-friendly, energy-efficient building was the goal from the project's inception. The two-story building now houses the radiologic technology and respiratory care programs.
"We utilized more than 50 ecological and sustainable strategies and worked with many dedicated professionals who aided us in meeting and exceeding the standards for green design. We are all honored to have achieved this certification," Miller said. "We are also extremely excited to provide our students with a healthy, sustainable environment in which to learn." According to Miller, the three Green Globes rating is equivalent to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating.
By utilizing standards set by Green Globes, a non-profit environmental assessment and rating system represented by prominent international organizations and experts, Miller said the College began with a building design that allowed for large amounts of natural light and twice the insulation recommended for the roof and walls, reducing the demand to heat and cool the classrooms. An ultra-reflective coating was also applied to the roof.
Water usage was also considered in the plan. Restroom plumbing was designed to reduce usage by 50%.
Water runoff and irrigation needs will not be problematic with the facility's landscaping design. Miller said xeriscaping principles were introduced and will provide coverage to reduce the heat island effect. Once the plants are established, they will need virtually no watering.
Rainwater that falls onto the site is designed to flow into bioswales and percolate down into the soil naturally. Overflow rainwater is contained and stored in the College's lake system and will be used for irrigation, reducing the landscape water demand by 80-90%.
According to the building's architect, Bob Goodwin of CRG Architects, 60% of the waste generated by construction was recyclable; however, the eco-friendly strategy did not end there. The building was also designed for "deconstruction."
"Once the building has served its purpose and is ready to be demolished, a portion of the material used to construct the building can be recycled," Goodwin said. "It's a relatively new concept that will save on landfill waste."
The College's three-globe rating came as a result of a review of the construction documents and an on-site review including project management, sight, energy, water, emissions and indoor environment by Green Building Initiative.
Instrumental in achieving the building's sustainability standards was University of Florida professor and Cross Creek Initiative CEO Charles Kibert, Ph.D. Kibert founded the Center for Construction and Environment at the University of Florida. He is the co-founder of Greening the University of Florida and serves as chairperson of this grassroots campus greening organization. He has worked on the development of high-performance green buildings for the past decade and participated in developing early drafts of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standard.
Kibert will present a tour and lecture on the building's sustainability design and construction on the St. Augustine campus on November 10.
The SJR State health-sciences building was built by Perry-McCall Construction, Inc.
Sustainability specifications were provided by Powell Design Group, Inc.
Landscape design was by Halback Design Group, Inc.
Mechanical and electrical plumbing engineer services were provided by Campbell Engineering of North Florida, Inc.
For more information regarding Dr. Kibert's tour, call 386-312-4020. For more information on SJR State's health care and science programs, visit the Web site at www.sjrstate.edu.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
SJR State facilities director Mike Canaday (right) explains the use of natural light in the St. Augustine campus's new health-sciences building. The College received a rating of three Green Globes - a first within the Florida College System - for its ecological construction and energy efficiency. From left: CRG architect Bob Goodwin, SJR State Trustee Diane Leone, Executive Vice President Melissa Miller and St. Augustine campus Provost Greg McLeod.
St. Johns River State College recently received a three Green Globes certification (equivalent to LEED Gold rating) for meeting and exceeding the standards for green design on its newest St. Augustine facility. From left: SJR State facilities director Mike Canaday, Executive Vice President Melissa Miller, CRG architect Bob Goodwin, SJR State Trustee Diane Leone and St. Augustine campus Provost Greg McLeod.
St. Johns River State College officials review the new bioswales on the St. Augustine campus. The College was awarded three Green Globes (equivalent to LEED Gold rating) for meeting and exceeding the standards for green design on its newest facility. From left: SJR State Executive Vice President Melissa Miller, CRG architect Bob Goodwin, SJR State Trustee Diane Leone, St. Augustine campus Provost Greg McLeod and facilities director Mike Canaday.
Return to SJR State home page.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
SJR State Director of Public Relations and Publications
5001 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4020
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