September 19, 2007—The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University has garnered the highest designation for environmentally friendly design and construction from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). ASU President Michael Crow has called for all new construction at the university to meet LEED standards.
The platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was issued for Building B, which opened in 2006. ASU says this marks the first time a building in Arizona has received the platinum award. Building A, which opened in 2004, received gold-level certification. The two buildings were constructed separately, but are connected on all levels by glass walkways.
The Biodesign Institute facilities were designed by the architectural team of Gould Evans+Lord, Aeck & Sargent, via a joint venture of Sundt Construction and DPR Construction. Certification assistance was provided by Green Ideas. In addition to LEED certification, the team’s work won Biodesign the 2006 Lab of the Year award from R&D Magazine.
Environmentally friendly features range in scale from site and urban planning to interior finishes. The facility entry is near the new light-rail station set to open in 2008. Overall, the project exceeded LEED criteria for use of recycled materials, at 15 percent, including aluminum ceiling panels, recycled-content carpet, and rubber stairwell flooring. A construction waste management plan reduced landfill construction waste by more than 60 percent.
