Edna Holmes Hall - Building a Sustainable Community

Edna Holmes Hall was designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Standard. Beyond the green features, the building has a great story to share with its residents. Please see the descriptions below and check back for future updates! 

LEED Scorecard 1.12.12

CREATING COMMUNITY
Perhaps one the most relevant and interesting sustainability and cultural features of this project is the milling and re-purposing of trees from the site. Up to 75% of the maple and fir trees previously located here will return to become furniture, stair treads, wood wall paneling, and trim. Residents will find these wooden wonders in the numerous community spaces in Holmes Hall, including spacious kitchens, fireplace mantels, study nooks and outdoor patio space.This is a very ceremonial way to provide a ‘second life’ for these trees in providing support, comfort and beauty to the students who will reside in this new facility. 

SUSTAINABLE SITES
Site strategies include a focus on development density (small site footprint) and community connectivity, including over 10 common facilities within walking distance of the project. The project benefits from convenient access to public transit as well as student access to carpool vehicles and bike storage.

Other site strategies include sustainable storm water management and plazas, pathways, and roof materials designed to reduce the ‘heat island effect’ (that is to say, the site does not absorb radiant heat but reflects it). Exterior lighting has also been designed to limit the amount of unnecessary light pollution to the surrounding areas.

WATER EFFICIENCY
The building is designed to use 40% less water than a typical housing building through the installation of highly efficient irrigation and low-flow toilets, faucets and other plumbing fixtures.

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE
Energy saving design features integrated into the building will use 26% less energy than a residential building built to current energy standards. Systems included are:

• Operable windows for natural ventilation and passive cooling
• Window switches to turn off heating when windows are open
• Heat recovery ventilators save heating energy for common area ventilation
• High performance walls and windows (highly insulated) help mitigate building heat loss
• High efficiency water heaters and low flow fixtures save water heating energy

Measurement and verification will confirm that the building meets energy expectations and address any potential deficiencies for long-term maintenance.

MATERIALS & RESOURCES
Considerable effort has been made to minimize material waste on the job-site and to select materials that have high levels of recycled content and that are harvested and manufactured in the region. Collectively, these initiatives help reduce carbon emissions from trucks transporting waste from, and products to, the project site.

HEALTH & COMFORT
Materials and products have been specified that eliminate or reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These materials range from adhesives and paint to carpet and composite wood products. Additionally, the project team has worked hard to eliminate harmful refrigerants in equipment as part of an Enhanced Refrigerant Management program.

The project focuses on user comfort by providing controllability of systems, including Individual temperature and lighting controls provided in every room. The design also enhances user comfort by providing both daylight and views from the majority of normally occupied spaces.