- Academic Buildings -

Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies

Oberlin College • Oberlin, Ohio

Major Funding Sources

As the name implies, Mr. Adam
J. Lewis was a major contribu-
tor to the construction of the
Environmental Studies Center.
Additional funding was pro-
vided by the Hallock founda-
Construction Type: new Building Size: 14,000 ft2
tion.
Completion Date: 1999
Notable Features
Holding Tank & Open Aerobic Clarifier & Artificial Anaerobic & Closed
UV Filter Reactors Wetland Aerobic Reactors

The Living Machine

The Living Machine provides onsite wastewater treatment for
the A. J. Lewis Center. It combines traditional treatment tech-
nology with the purification capabilities of a wetland ecosystem.
It is designed to remove organic wastes, nutrients, and pathogens
from the water before reusing it in non-potable sources through-
out the building.

The A. J. Lewis Center is attempting certification under the LEED-NC system.

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 - Academic Buildings -

Sustainable Sites

The area surrounding the A. J. Lewis Center features a vari-

ety of constructed ecosystems native to Northeastern Ohio,
including a wet forest and wetland. The idea of permacul-
ture, a form of edible landscaping that strives to create a
naturally balanced ecosystem while maintaining the aes-
thetic value of the area, is also highlighted by including vege-
table gardens and orchards in the landscaping. The facility
encourages alternative forms of transportation by providing
bicycle storage. Additionally, parking availability at the Cen-
ter is minimized to discourage automobile traffic.

Water Efficiency

The on-site wetland, in conjunction with a 9,700 gallon cistern, serves as a storm water retention ba-
sin, as well as filtering storm water runoff. To keep irrigation to a minimum, the lawn is allowed to go
dormant in the dry summer months. The use of the gray water produced by the Living Machine also
keeps the Center’s water needs to a minimum.

Energy & Atmosphere

The 3,700 ft2 of photovoltaic cells allow the A. J. Lewis Center to function as a
net energy producer for portions of the year. To ensure that all the energy pro-
duced is used efficiently, the Center is equipped with motion sensitive lighting,
triple-paned windows, and energy recovery ventilators. The building also utilizes
ground source heat pumps and passive heating to further reduce energy needs.
The building orientation and large amounts of south facing glass fully utilize the
heating power of the sun.

Materials & Resources

Much of the A. J. Lewis Center was built using recycled and locally har-
vested and manufactured materials. All the wood in the facility was sustain-
ably harvested, and carpet tiles made of recycled materials replace tradi-
tional carpeting to allow for easy removal and replacement (only the worn
tiles are replaced instead of the whole area).

Indoor Environmental Quality

In order to improve indoor air quality, the Center chose only low-emitting ma-
terials that keep off-gassing to a minimum and installed operable windows.
The abundance of windows also allows for access to daylight and views to the
outside from most areas. The building is equipped with 150 environmental
sensors to monitor building systems and ensure that they are performing at full
efficiency.
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 - Academic Buildings -

The Dolan Center for Science and Technology

John Carroll University • University Heights , Ohio

Major Funding Sources

The preeminent funding source
for the Center was the Dolan
Children’s Foundation. How-
ever, individual alumni dona- Construction Type: new Building Size: 265,000 ft2
tions were a significant contribu-
tion to the project, as was a Completion Date: September 2003
grant from the Department of
Housing and Urban Develop-
ment.
Notable Features

Conflicting Requirements
The Dolan Center is not only a green build-
ing; it is also the center of all scientific and
mathematical research at John Carroll Uni-
versity. Although it might seem that envi-
ronmental and scientific requirements would
go hand in hand, the reality is that they
are quite often opposed. State of the art
science buildings require a large amount of
energy and water as well as specific build-
ing materials. Although the Dolan Center
was not able to achieve LEED certification
(due to its conflicting requirements), it il-
lustrates the range and flexibility of green
building. Creating a green building of this
nature required a serious commitment of
time and resources.

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Sustainable Sites

In order to preserve the green space surrounding John Carroll’s campus, the Dolan Center was con-
structed on a previously disturbed site. It is within close proximity to mass transit, decreasing auto-
mobile traffic in the area.

Water Efficiency

Although a building of this nature has high water demands, automated sensors were installed on rest-
room fixtures to decrease water consumption where possible.

Energy & Atmosphere

Innovative technologies were employed to decrease the high energy demands of the Do-
lan Center. Highly efficient building systems were in-
stalled, and a smart building management system ensures
that this equipment is being operated in the most efficient
manner possible. The zoned ventilation system allows the
temperature to vary in different sections of the building,
preventing excessive heating or cooling. A heat recovery
system was also installed to capture heat that would nor-
mally escape through the ventilation system. Additionally,
a variable air volume hood system makes sure that the
hood only operates at required times. Many light fixtures in the facility are motion sen-
sitive, and the abundance of natural light further reduces the energy required to light the
building.
Materials & Resources

Where possible, recycled construction materials were used to reduce the

need for virgin materials. Local materials were used throughout the facility
to decrease the negative effects of transporting materials and to support the
local economy. The wood in the building is sustainably harvested, ensuring
that old growth forests are preserved. John Carroll also operates a recycling
program to minimize the waste generated by its facilities.

Indoor Environmental Quality

The abundance of natural lighting and views to the

outdoors is evident throughout the Dolan Center,
which has more than 950 windows. Where possible,
windows are operable to allow fresh air to enter the
facility. To preserve the indoor air quality, smok-
ing is prohibited throughout the building, and
low-emitting materials have been used.

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Major Funding Sources

The construction of the
North Residential Village
was internally funded.

Construction Type: new

The Village at 115
Building Size: 415,000 ft2 Case Western Reserve University • Cleveland, Ohio
Completion Date: August 2005
Sustainable Sites
The North Residential Village (NRV) is being constructed in a previously developed urban area to
reduce the destruction of greenfield space. It promotes alternative transportation by locating near
public transportation and by providing indoor bicycle storage. The site also features a groundwater
recharge system that diverts storm water runoff, reducing the strain on local sewers.

Water Efficiency
All buildings in the NRV are equipped with low flow restroom fixtures. The dorms also provide ac-
cess to front loading washers that use less water than traditional models. The “Beta Building,” which
is attempting a higher level of LEED certification, also features landscaping that does not require
irrigation, as well as a gray-water collection system.

Energy & Atmosphere

All public areas in the NRV are equipped with motion and daylight sensitive lighting. Energy effi-
cient lighting, windows, and laundry facilities combine to create a facility that uses approximately 40
percent less energy than traditional housing complexes. Windows that are exposed to direct sunlight
are equipped with light shelves that reduce direct sunlight in the summer months. The “Beta Build-
ing” will have a cogeneration heat and power system that will further reduce energy consumption

Materials & Resources

During the construction of the NRV, more than 60 percent of the construction waste was diverted
from landfills. Local, recycled, and long-lived materials have been used throughout the buildings. A
recycling program has been setup for all building in the Village.
Indoor Environmental Quality

In order to preserve high indoor air quality, all buildings will be

Buildings in the NRV will be applying
flushed out once construction is complete. Buildings are equipped
for certification, ranging from certified
with operable windows to allow fresh air, daylight, and outdoor
to silver, under the LEED-NC system.
views to enter the facility.
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