A voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings
The Searle Chemistry Laboratory will be the first building at the University of Chicago to achieve LEED-certified status. LEED has an immediate and measurable result in how a building performs in energy usage and in the environment. LEED emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas:
- Sustainable site development
- Water savings
- Energy efficiency
- Materials and resources selection
- Indoor environmental quality.
The Searle Laboratory is attaining LEED credits in all of these areas. Specific credits and LEED design features are
as follows.
- Reusing the Building- At least 90% of the existing walls, roof and floors were saved
- State-of-the-Art Bathrooms - High efficiency toilets and low flow sinks
- Making Efforts Easy - Single source recycling bins on each floor
- Low volatile organic compound-emitting materials - Make for fresh air throughout
- Lofty Views – From 97% of the spaces
- Lab Sinks - Low flow faucets with aerators
- Hazardous Waste Cleanup – Hazardous materials removed and remediated to regulatory standards
- Responsible Choices – Utilize refrigerants that minimize emissions
- Smart Sensors - Automatic sash closures for fume hoods dramatically reduce energy consumption.
- Excellent Indoor Air Quality – 100% outside air ventilates the building
- Minimizing Waste- 92% of construction waste recycled
- Recycled Construction Material Content – Many of the materials used contain recycled components
- Protecting the Forests – Forest Stewardship Council-certified* wood used for casework, millwork, ceilings and wall paneling
- Lighting Effectively - Passive and active lighting controls maximize daylighting; reduce energy use
- Handling Hazardous Chemicals - Searle has an exemplary management system for handling chemicals and lab waste
- Green Cleaning – Appropriate cleaning products used in Searle Lab produced to green standards
- Go Local – Materials selected from sources within 500 miles of Chicago
- Information Accessibility - Touchable Directory shows building’s green features to educate visitors
- Managing Risks from Air Effluents – By wind tunnel tests of a model of the building
- Runner and Biker Friendly - New bike racks and a shower and locker room
- Water Efficient Landscaping – Drip irrigation system
- Smart Growth- Within walking distance of basic services and 6 bus lines No new parking was provided
- Green Roof - Part of the roof is vegetated – insulates, mitigates storm runoff
- Reflective Roof - The white roof reduces heat absorption in summer
- Light Pollution Minimized - Reduces sky-glow and glare
- High Performer - Upgraded insulation, efficient glazing and sealing reduce energy costs
—Prof. Chuan He
