Sustainability
All construction on our campus, including the renovation of New London Hall, complies with our green building policy. We follow a recognized set of guidelines to keep the environmental impact at a minimum.
At New London Hall, we’re installing an energy-saving geothermal system for heating and cooling. (See well drilling in above photo.) The building’s temperature will be regulated by water circulating through pipes hundreds of feet beneath Tempel Green, where the temperature is always 55 degrees. Read more.
Other green initiatives began with demolition and will extend to the maintenance of the building once it’s complete. They include:
- Trim, hardware and fixtures were carefully removed so that they could be re-used in the renovation or sold. Other material was recycled.
- Local building materials are being used whenever possible.
- Original wooden trim and floors from the original building are being reinstalled.
- Energy- and water-saving features are being incorporated into the design of the building, including high-efficiency lighting, heating, cooling and plumbing fixtures.
- Green building materials and recycled materials are being used when possible. The College is using wood from certified forests, reducing and carefully managing construction waste, recycling items like old radiators, and making sure used science equipment finds a good home with other organizations.
The College has applied for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification, or “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” recognizes the use of green building materials and practices and the installation of energy-efficient systems.
The College recently received Silver LEED certification for the renovation of Silfen Auditorium in Bill Hall, and has applied for certification of the new fitness center.
Visit http://sustainability.conncoll.edu for more about sustainability at Connecticut College.
