New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study has received a Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for Gallatin’s two-year renovation project. The Gallatin School is the first NYU project to receive the Gold certification from the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System (LEED).
New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study has received a Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for Gallatin’s two-year renovation project. The Gallatin School is the first NYU project to receive the Gold certification from the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System (LEED).
LEED ratings are the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. For an overview of the Gallatin renovations, go to http://www.nyu.edu/gallatin/leed/.
The redesign project, which began in 2007 and was completed in 2008, encompassed approximately 32,000 square feet. It aimed to reflect the innovation that has defined the school since its inception in 1972-a physical identity that serves and is consistent with Gallatin’s academic mission to offer a student-centered education.
Under this project, which was entirely funded by the support of alumni, parents, and friends, Gallatin has nearly doubled its size within its 715 Broadway home. Polshek Partnership Architects, LLP, which created the award-winning Carnegie Hall Master Plan and the American Museum of Natural History North Side Project, created the redesign of the building.
Gallatin’s certification was based on several aspects of the redesign effort, including:
- Eighty-five percent of construction waste was diverted away from landfills and into recycling centers.
- More than 50 percent of Gallatin’s power now comes from wind generation.
- The project uses highly efficient Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems-complete with zoning and computerized controls-that do not contain chlorofluorocarbons, which pose a risk to the ozone layer (CFCs).
- The renovated Gallatin School space uses 45 percent less water than did the previous space.
- The project’s filtered water fountains have replaced the need for bottled water and water coolers, and restrooms include dual-function, low-flow toilets and motion-sensored faucets.
- Gallatin’s lighting power density has been reduced by more than 35 percent.
- In addition to utilizing energy-efficient lighting extensively throughout the Gallatin space, the facility now includes installed light sensors and individual controls for more than 90 percent of its occupants.
- More than 75 percent of Gallatin’s equipment is Energy Star compliant. This includes computers, audio, and video equipment in its classrooms, and office equipment such as copy and fax machines and kitchen appliances.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.