Campus Initiatives: Buildings

Elon has adopted a Green Building Policy. New construction projects and major renovations consisting of 8,000 or more square feet of conditioned, occupied space will achieve LEED certification. LEED Silver certification is the strongly preferred level and in no case will such projects achieve less than LEED Certified certification. New projects less than 8,000 square feet and minor renovations must follow the University’s Sustainability Design Standards at a minimum.
Prior to the policy, many of Elon’s buildings were designed and built with sustainability in-mind. Specifically, the last two buildings of the Academic Village (Belk and Spence), the Koury Business Center, and the Colonnades Dining Hall and Residence Halls all have sustainable features.

Lindner Hall – First LEED Gold Building

Martha S. and Carl H. Lindner III Hall is the first building on campus to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the USGBC (US Green Building Council). Lindner Hall has the sustainable features of the buildings mentioned above but also has unique features not included in previous buildings on campus. For example, on the roof of Lindner Hall there are photovoltaic panels as well as a solar water heating system. The energy created by these systems provides a portion of the building’s energy needs, which reduces the need for fossil fuel based energy. The touchscreen display in the lobby allows building occupants and visitors to see how much energy the solar systems are generating. It also displays the overall energy and water usage of the building. This information is accessible online, as well.

Click here for more details on Lindner Hall’s sustainable features.

Sustainable Features

Belk and Spence Pavilions, the Koury Business Center and the Colonnades Dining Hall and Residence Halls have the following features.

• Site Stewardship
• A stormwater management system that collects the stormwater and allows it to percolate through the soil, which reduces stormwater runoff and protects the surrounding watershed. 
• Best management practices were utilized during construction to prevent sedimentation and erosion.
• Bike racks are provided to promote alternative transportation.
• There is a University bus line stop nearby to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles.
• The number of parking spaces provided is limited to the number required by zoning to preserve green space.
• The building and landscaping were designed to shade the site and reduce the heat island effect.
• Water Conservation
• Low flow plumbing fixtures are used throughout.
• Landscaping design utilizes vegetation adapted to the regional climate, and the water used to irrigate is supplied 100% with reclaimed stormwater.

• Energy Conservation
• The introduction of natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. 
• Occupancy sensors were used to reduce energy consumption when spaces are not in use.
• Energy-efficient lighting fixtures were included to reduce the amount of energy needed to light the building. 
• The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system has advance control options that respond to outdoor conditions and building schedule to conserve energy and improve air quality.
• Energy Star rated appliances were used. 
• The mechanical system incorporates energy efficient motors and fans.
• The water heating system is highly efficient.   

• Resource Conservation
• Building materials with recycled content were used such as gypsum board, ceiling tile, insulation, and steel. 

• Indoor Environmental Quality
• The HVAC system supplies fresh air, which improves indoor air quality. 
• During construction, the mechanical system equipment was protected to prevent contamination from dust, dirt, and debris.
• The paint used contains little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• The flooring and flooring adhesives used contain little to no chemicals.
• The windows are operable allowing users to get fresh air when desired.
• The building was designed to provide natural daylight and views to the outside.
• The mechanical system equipment is located away from occupied spaces to prevent noise pollution.