Penn State Harrisburg is leading the way for sustainable student housing statewide with its new residence hall named Building 10,000.On Feb. 6, a dedication ceremony was held for Penn State Harrisburg’s Building 10,000’s LEED silver level certification, an industry benchmark for energy efficiency and high performance green design.The commemoration began at 10:30 a.m. in front of the four-story, $10 million project.Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards were established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). Since 1998, the LEED Green Building Rating System has served as a “consensus-based, market-driven building rating system based on existing proven technology,” according to the U.S. Green Building Council.A silver level certification indicates the building has achieved at least 50 points on LEED’s 110-point scale.Decals signifying the silver certification level will be placed within the main entrance vestibule of Building 10,000 to commemorate the certification, and a commemorative plaque will be displayed within the Housing and Food Services Office located in the Olmsted Building, Penn State Harrisburg Director of Housing and Food Services Craig Cook said.“It's a building that Penn State can be proud of,” Cook said. “We look forward to commemorating this significant achievement.”David Ade, principal architect at SMP Architects, said every square foot mattered while designing Building 10,000.“It was all about picking the right materials, picking the most durable materials and trying to deliver excellent design on a budget,” Ade said.Key features of the building include rain gardens, energy-efficient lighting fixtures, agri-fiber paneling and low-flow water fixtures. Building 10,000 was constructed on an east-west axis to maximize exposure to sunlight.Concrete, steel, surface counters, carpet tiles, window shades and lounge furniture are partially comprised of recycled materials. Built-in recycling areas on each of the building’s levels encourage residents to reduce waste. Building materials were chosen from local sources to support the area economy and reduce energy use.
Individual heat pump units in each room efficiently manage energy needs through cooling and heating by space orientation and use. The building’s larger mechanical equipment recovers energy from exhaust air for reuse."Cook said feedback from first-year occupants has been overwhelmingly positive since the building’s opening in fall 2010.“Students love the building,” he said. “They love the layout; they love the decor.”Building 10,000’s suites offer two double-occupancy bedrooms with a shared semi-private bathroom. Each of the building’s residential floors also features a central lounge area and laundry room.The building houses 100 residents in all -- 96 first-year students, three resident assistants, and a live-in Residence Life staff member. Residents enjoy wireless Internet access.SMP Architects also has designed Penn State Brandywine’s Main Building and a residence hall at Penn State Berks.In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be hosted in the building's first floor lobby. Light refreshments will follow in Room 106 of the Capital Village Community Center.Associate Vice President for Auxiliary and Business Services Gail Hurley and Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor Mukund Kulkarni will attend, as well as representatives from SMP Architects, Poole Anderson Construction, and Housing, Food Services, and Residence Life.