The state-of-the-art design and construction of South Hall, The George Washington University’s newest residence hall, has earned it a special accolade as the first university building in the District to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification for new construction.
“We are making significant investments in our buildings and our grounds so that GW students, faculty and staff can connect with green innovation every day,” says GW Director of Sustainability Meghan Chapple-Brown. “From new residence halls to urban campus gardens to educational partnerships, these projects help boost dialogue on a sustainable future and provide experience for the next generation of leaders.”
Opened in September 2009, South Hall houses 474 fourth-year students in single-bedroom apartment-style living. Its design and construction incorporated key LEED standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council, including new strategies for sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The residence hall is located at 2135 F Street, NW.
South Hall’s sustainable design and construction are part of a University-wide strategy to make GW campuses more environmentally friendly and also exceeds GW’s 2007 Foggy Bottom Campus Plan commitment to meet basic LEED standards. GW’s second building built to LEED standards, Pelham Hall on GW’s Mount Vernon Campus, will open this summer.
Green design features in South Hall include bamboo paneling, a sustainable alternative to hardwood floors; low-flow water fixtures that have decreased water usage more than 30 percent; carpet that is certified Climate Neutral Cool Carpet, which cancels out all greenhouse gas emissions associated with the lifecycle of the carpet; and Energy Star appliances, which use approximately 20 to 30 percent less energy. Low volatile organic compounds paints were used throughout the building to reduce odor and irritation from indoor air contaminants, and rigorous air quality testing was completed prior to occupation.
South Hall’s energy performance is 24.5 percent above the industry standards for residential buildings, thanks to its highly insulated wall systems, energy efficient windows and Energy Star white roof. GW has purchased renewable wind energy credits for 70 percent of the electricity used in the building for the first two years.
The 10-story residence hall also offers students bike storage, fuel-efficient vehicle parking and recycling facilities on each floor.
Nancy Giammatteo of GW’s Division of Operations spearheaded the University’s LEED certification process and worked with project consultants to ensure all LEED possibilities were explored. The South Hall design and construction project team includes architects AECOM|CGS; engineering firms AECOM, Cagley & Associates Inc. and A. Morton Thomas Associates Inc.; general contractor Clark Construction Group; and sustainability consultant GreenShape.
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