MCC Tackling Green Renovations.
By: Katrina Irwin
Updated: November 19, 2010
A local college is renovating one of it's buildings, and they are keeping the environment in mind while they do it. Some big changes are coming to the Gleason Hall of Science and Technology at Monroe Community College.
"We're actually renovating the building while it's occupied so we are working around our students and staff creating little holes and renovating them," says Blaine Grindle. He is the Director of Engineering Services at MCC.
They are adding more classrooms for students. But they're doing it in a "green" way. "We've all committed to building our buildings in a sustainable way and meeting the criteria of leed."
Another building on campus is LEED silver certified. But with this new project, they're going for gold. LEED stands for leadership in energy and environmental design. It's a way of rating how "green" buildings are. "We're adding a solar array to the roof to provide electricity to the building. We're also adding a canopy over the loading dock and it's roof is going to be solar array."
They've also put in sensors that turn the lights and heat down when people aren't using a room.
"Only 10 percent of the materials that are coming out of this nearly complete demolition are going into a landfill. That's important for the environment and it also saves money," Grindle adds.
20% of the materials used on the project are recycled.
23% of the products are regional, which cuts down the project carbon footprint.
83% of the wood used is certified, which means sustainable practices were used in collecting it. All things that help out the environment, and the school's budget.
"A lot of the sustainable things that you can do these days adds to your bottom line and saves you money," says Grindle.
Work will continue through the winter and the entire project should be complete by next fall.
