The wind turbines are turning, the construction fencing has come down, and the last traces of debris are being swept away. Monday, March 17, 2008, marked the first day of business for the Global Institute of Sustainability and the School of Sustainability at their new location on Cady Mall at the corner of University and College Avenues in Tempe.
Formerly home to the College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation, which moved to ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus in August of 2006, the Global Institute of Sustainability Building has been renovated to include sustainability features which will enhance the quality of the learning and working experience for students, faculty, and staff.
Following President Crow's commitment to sustainability, the design team focused on using sustainable materials wherever possible in the Global Institute of Sustainability Building. The carpet, resilient flooring, and gypsum sheathing are all made of high recycled content material. Indoor air quality is enhanced through the use of GreenGuard certified furniture and low-emitting paints, coatings, and interior signage. Meanwhile, convenient recycling collection will encourage recycling by faculty and students.
Water efficiency was a particular focus for the design team. The new building features waterless urinals, low-flow toilets, and automatically monitored landscaping irrigation. As landscaping work continues, native drought-tolerant plantings will reduce the demand for irrigation and the incorporation of porous paving will control the amount of storm water run-off from the site.
The wind turbines which have been mounted on the roof parapet are a visible reminder that Arizona State University is committed to renewable energy sources. In addition, solar panels will soon be installed on the building's roof as part of the University's plan to solarize over 310,000 square feet of university roofs.
The building's renovation also includes many features intended to reduce energy use. Asbestos removal provided the opportunity to install superior insulation for the building's exterior walls and roof. An occupancy sensor-controlled lighting system is now in place throughout the building. Ongoing improvements will include the installation of shading devices along the east, west and south windows to reduce unwanted solar gain and control glare.
The Global Institute of Sustainability Building incorporates many elements which bring the outside in, reducing energy use and creating a pleasant working atmosphere. An open floor plan allows natural light into interior spaces, and solar tubes will soon be installed to bring natural light into darker interior spaces such as stairwells.
During the renovation, the exterior brick was removed along the west facade, creating an open lobby area on the third and fourth floors which with the assistance of ceiling fans encourages natural ventilation. In place of the brick wall, a green screen was installed. This sturdy metal mesh will allow plants to climb and provide cooling shade, while still allowing good site views and filtered natural light.
The Global Institute of Sustainability Building at Arizona State University is pursuing LEED Certification and is part of the growing portfolio of University buildings designed with sustainability in mind. The completely renovated 48,800 square foot building offers six classrooms to the general ASU community, and is located near the new light-rail station set to open in December 2008.
"A lot of careful thought went into the planning of the renovation," said Brenda Shears, Associate Director of Operations and Research Support for the Institute. "We are pleased with the many sustainable features we have been able to include, the positive working environment for our rapidly growing staff and faculty, and the collaborative spaces available to our students and research teams."
