College of Health and Human Services

At Western Michigan University [WMU], the Gold standard of sustainability is currently being attempted in the newly constructed College of Health and Human Services [CHHS]. WMU policy calls for the LEED Certified rating to be followed on all projects over $1 million. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Since its construction in 2005, ongoing projects at CHHS are striving to exceed policy and attain a LEED Gold certification for the building. CHHS is currently in a monitoring status by the LEED Review Board.

Brown Hall LEED Scorecard Update

New Building Construction

Starting with the design and construction of the WMU Parkview Campus in the late 90s, Western Michigan University has been committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly construction and renovation projects.

The university has adopted the Facility Life Cycle Design Guidelines which incorporates the LEED Green Building Rating System and evaluation of environmental impacts & costs during the entire life cycle of facilities. Some examples of sustainable design strategies used in new buildings & renovation projects:

• Daylighting: Architectural design to maximize penetration of daylight to occupied spaces, in conjunction with daylight & occupancy sensors to reduce electric lighting use.
• Heat Recovery Systems: Waste heat from recycled air is used to temper outside air in ventilation systems.
• Recycled Content Materials: Materials with post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content are specified.
• Renewable Materials: Materials from sustainably managed & harvested sources are used, which regenerate in a short amount of time.
• Construction Waste Management: Sorting & recycling of demolition & construction waste products.
• Ventilation Fresh Air: Increased amounts of outside air is used in mechanical ventilation systems, to improve indoor air quality.
• Low Emitting Materials: Interior finishes are specified which off gas low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC's).
• Stormwater Management: Rain gardens & bio-swales are utilized to increase the amount of on-site infiltration & filtering of stormwater, and reduce the discharge to storm sewer systems.
• Drought Resistant Landscaping: Plantings which need little or no irrigation water are specified.