Fayetteville, Ark. (April 22, 2009) – The Green Building Initiative (GBI) recognized two University of Arkansas buildings, the Duncan Avenue Apartments and the Duncan Avenue Community Center, for achievements in sustainable design and construction that were identified using the Green Globes® environmental assessment and rating system for commercial buildings.
During a special Earth Day dedication ceremony, Ward Hubbell, President of the GBI, presented leaders from the University of Arkansas with plaques recognizing the buildings’ environmental achievements. The Duncan Avenue Apartments achieved a rating of One Globe and the Duncan Avenue Community Center achieved a Two Globes rating.
The Duncan Avenue Apartment building is a 3-story, 57,800 square foot complex was recognized for, among other things:
o Outstanding achievements in integrated design, which ensured a team approach was used throughout the progressive stages of the design process and involved collaboration between the project’s architect, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders;
o The minimization of the building's water consumption through the use of water-efficient equipment such as dual-flush fixtures in each unit and water-saving fixtures on faucets and showerheads;
o A healthy and comfortable indoor environment that provides a high level of indoor air quality, effective lighting, thermal comfort and suitable acoustic conditions.
The Duncan Avenue Community Center is a 2-story, 3,400 square foot building, was recognized for, among other things:
o Achievements in environmental purchasing, including the procurement of energy-saving, high-efficiency equipment;
o Controlling storm water run-off to prevent damage to the building and vegetation, and to minimize run-off into waterways;
o Incorporating energy-efficient lighting fixtures, lamps and ballasts.
“The University of Arkansas’ new sustainable buildings prove that all types of structures, from apartments to community centers, can be designed and built in an efficient and environmentally-friendly manner," said Hubbell. "On this Earth Day, the University should be commended for not only improving our built environment but also setting a good example for students, faculty and staff, and the community."
Green Globes is an innovative green building guidance and assessment program that was adapted from a system that is widely
used in Canada. The Green Globes system has been officially recognized by legislation or executive order in 18 states as well as by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior. In addition, Green Globes has been formally recognized by private sector institutions such as Aon, Liberty Mutual and the Fireman’s Fund.
“The University of Arkansas has a long-term commitment to sustainability,” said Mike Johnson, Associate Vice Chancellor for facilities. “The Duncan Avenue apartments and community center are examples of the way we intend to use innovative technologies in our buildings to create a sustainable campus. We are proud and grateful to have our efforts recognized by an
organization of the caliber of the Green Building Initiative.”
To achieve a Green Globes rating, the Duncan Avenue buildings project team used the Green Globes tool’s unique, online and interactive format to help design and construct both building in an environmentally-friendly manner. After the buildings were constructed, a GBI-authorized third-party building science expert was engaged to review the construction documents, conduct
an on-site inspection and assess an official Green Globes rating.
The Duncan Avenue projects are just two of over 55 buildings nationwide that have achieved a Green Globes rating. Others include: the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR, Blakely Hall in Issaquah, WA, the Pfizer Clinical Research Unit in New Haven, CT, the NewPage Corporate Headquarters in Miamisburg, OH, the Chandler Airport Commerce Center in Chandler, AZ, the RenewAire, LLC corporate headquarters in Madison, WI., the Point at Morristown in orristown, NJ, the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, VA, the Alberici Headquarters in St. Louis, MO and the Materials Recovery Facility in Summit County, CO.
ABOUT THE GREEN BUILDING INITIATIVE: The mission of the Green Building Initiative is to accelerate the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches. A not-for-profit education initiative, the GBI is supported by a broad cross section of organizations and individuals with an interest in residential and
commercial construction. For more information on the Green Building Initiative, please visit www.thegbi.org.
Contact: Mark Rossolo
(503) 349-9272
mark@thegbi.org
