Facilities
Worcester Polytechnic Institute strives to comply with all environmental laws and regulations while also incorporating the values of sustainability into the daily operation of the University. Through its operations, the University seeks to improve the quality and regenerative capacity of the local and global environmental, social, and economic systems that support the University's activities and needs. Towards this effort, it is critical to address pollution prevention, stewardship, and resource conservation activities and develop and promote practices that maximize beneficial effects and minimize harmful environmental effects of operations, research, and activities.
Buildings
WPI is committed to being a campus that incorporates the values of sustainable design in all aspects of site and building design, construction, maintenance, and operation procedures. Buildings on the WPI campus serve several needs of the community, and by adopting a high performance, minimal impact approach, the University can fulfill its objective of becoming a sustainability leader.
Sustainable buildings feature an integrated framework of design, construction, and operational practices that reflect the environmental, economic, and social impacts of buildings. This facet of sustainability as it relates to the WPI community incorporates aspects of each of the other three chapters of sustainability as defined below:
Climate protection:
- Protection of the environment
- Reinforcement of natural systems
Materials Management:
- Efficient management of energy, water, materials, and waste
- Responsible acquisition of construction materials
- Responsible disposal of construction wastes
Social Sustainability:
- Protection of occupants' health
- Indoor environmental quality
- Long-term economic benefits
LEED
In February 2007, WPI's Board of Trustees passed a resolution that all new buildings for the university be designed to meet LEED certification.
What is LEED®?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Developed by the US Green Building Council, USGBC, LEED addresses all building types, emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies, and promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. LEED is a practical rating tool for green building design and construction that provides immediate and measurable results for building owners and occupants.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings' performance.
| Copy of Total LEED Credits Achievable | |
|---|---|
Site Planning | 14 |
Water Management | 5 |
Energy Management | 17 |
Material Use | 13 |
Indoor Air Quality | 15 |
Innovation & Design Process | 5 |
Total Credits | 69 |
| Copy of LEED Certification Levels | |
Certified | 26-32 |
Silver | 33-38 |
Gold | 39-51 |
Platinum | 52-69 |
Completed in 2006, the Bartlett Center, housing our Office of Admissions, has received formal designation from the US Green building council as being LEED "Certified".
Scheduled for completion in 2008, our newest residence hall, East Hall, is expected to achieve at least a LEED "Silver" Certification.
Grounds Services
WPI's Grounds Services is working toward providing a safe, attractive, and more sustainable outdoor environment throughout campus. The University will focus on landscaping, litter control, and integrated pest management in order to accomplish these goals and implement the following practices:
- Collecting litter on a daily basis.
- Emptying trash and recycling receptacles 2-3 times a week.
- Undertaking pest management when disease or insects are inflicting noticeable damage on plants or trees. Preventive measures are undertaken on species more susceptible to damage.
- Minimal use of fertilizers and the incorporation of organic products when possible.
- Reducing the number of annual plantings in favor of perennial plant material.
- Performing most weeding by hand and relying on spraying by a licensed applicator in limited instances of herbicide application for weed control.
- Composting/recycling all landscape debris.
- Auditing irrigation systems and practices to identify opportunities for water savings.
Join the Discussion!
If you have any questions or concerns about WPI's current Facilities Operations or would like to propose a new initiative, visit the WPI Facilities Operations Forum. (Only available for WPI community)
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: September 29, 2008 09:56:43