The School of Medicine’s new 4515 McKinley Research Building has received LEED Gold certification. Located at the corner of McKinley and Taylor, the new research building is dedicated to interdisciplinary research on some of the most complex problems in human biology. LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. With the certification of 4515 McKinley, Washington University is now home to 22 LEED certified projects, including two Platinum, 10 Gold, 7 Silver, and 3 Certified projects.
Below are some examples of the green design strategies that contributed to the LEED Gold certification for the 4515 McKinley Research Building:
- The building is 36% more energy efficient than a conventional building with a site Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 128 kBtu/square feet. For reference, many of the laboratory buildings at Washington University have EUIs of well over 200.
- Occupancy sensors were installed to reduce airflow in labs during unoccupied periods.
- Systems were installed to recover energy from the building exhaust. This means heat from outgoing exhaust air can be captured in the winter to reduce the need for heating incoming cold fresh air.
- Return air systems were installed in the office areas to lower energy use.
- A heat recovery chiller was installed to improve the overall efficiency of the cooling system.
- The building landscape was designed to use 50% less irrigation water than a standard site.
- Interior spaces were designed to use 35% less indoor water.
- 95%+ of construction waste was diverted from the landfill.
- Low VOC building materials were used.
- 30%+ of building materials were made from recycled content.
- 20%+ of building materials were locally sourced.
- A green cleaning program is being implemented.
- The building design supports active use by occupants.
- The building site enhances campus density and community connectivity.