Buildings

NC State’s built environment is one of the most visible ways to showcase a commitment to sustainability. The university’s Facilities Division integrates sustainability into building construction, operation and modification. Sustainability is also embedded in the university’s Physical Master Plan and University Construction Guidelines.

Sustainability certification is achieved by integrating innovative features into buildings. These features boost efficiency and help conserve resources while also improving the quality of the building occupants’ experience. Examples include:

  • Using daylighting instead of electrical light fixtures
  • Minimizing water use with efficient plumbing fixtures, native plants that require less irrigation and rainwater collection that reduces use of potable water for irrigation
  • Energy-efficient HVAC systems, building design, lighting, windows and occupancy sensors that automatically adjust energy use when a room is empty
  • Access to mass transit and alternative ways of travel beyond single-occupancy vehicles
  • Good indoor air quality due to environmentally-friendly cleaning products, paints, adhesives, furniture and finishes
  • Use of locally sourced and/or recycled construction materials
  • Green roofs, which incorporate a vegetative layer that helps reduce energy use, improve stormwater quality and decrease air pollution. NC State green roofs are located at Engineering Building III, JC Raulston Arboretum, James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Talley Student Union and Wolf Ridge Student Apartments.

For campus construction and renovation projects that do not fall under LEED requirements, NC State has established a three-tier system for integrating sustainability requirements. The tiers include:

  • Tier I: Budget of $2 million+ AND construction over 20,000 gross square feet and renovations if the replacement value > than insurance value.
  • Tier II: Budget of $250,000 to $2 million.
  • Tier III: Budget of up to $250,000.

High Performance Buildings

To ensure campus buildings are designed and constructed sustainably, NC State has committed that all new construction and major renovations over 20,000 square feet are at minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certified. Awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, this certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. NC State University currently has 1,962,101 gross square feet LEED Certified.

LEED Gold Certified Buildings

LEED Silver Certified Buildings

LEED Certified Buildings

Energy Star Certified

The following buildings have been awarded ENERGY STAR certification for strict energy performance standards and approximately 35 percent less energy and carbon dioxide emissions than a typical building.

  • Carroll Residence Hall
  • Tucker Residence Hall
  • Sullivan Residence Hall
  • Venture Buildings

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