Green buildings offer energy savings for University

By: Kelsey Gibbons

Posted: 3/2/07

At the Oct. 16 Convocation ceremony, University President Constantine Papadakis unveiled massive changes planned for the Drexel campus. These changes included replacing Stratton and Matheson Halls, and expanding the Daskalakis Athletic Center, the Academic Building, the Rush Building and MacAlister Hall.

The University also plans to build two new residence halls (in addition to the new dormitory on Race Street), a biomedical center and a skyscraper near the Cira Centre. Lastly, the administration plans to demolish Myers Hall after these changes take place, to create more of a campus atmosphere.

Many students feel that this large building expansion plan presents the University with a unique opportunity to go "green." The U.S. Green Building Council rates buildings nationally based on their Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, or LEED, system, which takes into account factors such as a building's energy efficiency, water savings, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Daniel Steinberg, president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association, explained the USGA's support for LEED-certified buildings.

"It all comes down to responsibility," Steinberg said. "We understand that the students are serious about their commitment to creating a better future, and we intend to show the powers that be how important it truly is to us."

Many faculty members have also spoken in favor of LEED-certified buildings.

"An increasing number of major universities, including Drexel's peer institutions, such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are all moving aggressively to construct LEED-certified buildings," explained Robert Brulle, an associate professor of sociology and environmental science at the University.

In the Environmental Protection Agency's 2006 report, the agency recognized that "colleges and universities have become a leading sector" in LEED-certified buildings, making up 51 of the 342 certified buildings in the United States.

The Powelton Village Civic Association has opposed extending the campus past Powelton Avenue. Jose Alminana, a member of the PVCA, pointed out that any successful expansion plan would include institutional growth to accommodate a larger student population, while fostering "town-and-gown" relationships. He said that, as an architect, he feels that "LEED-certified buildings are worthy of any institution that is concerned for its students and employees, the resources that it consumes, and the environmental impacts of its actions and operations."

The University, however, has conflicting views about the University's commitment to LEED-certified buildings.

The University maintains that the expense of LEED-certified buildings is prohibitive. The project architect of Planning Design and Construction, Barbara A. Clarke, estimated that there would be an increase in cost, ranging from two to 10 percent because of the required engineering, commissioning and documentation.

James Katsaounis, director of communications for Drexel's Student Life and Administrative Services, said that the University is committed to LEED buildings.

"Drexel requires that its architects and engineers design LEED-certified buildings, but does not apply for the actual certification," Katsaounis said.

James Mitchell, the director of the Architectural Engineering Program, pointed out many benefits the University would see if it created LEED-certified buildings. According to Mitchell, the buildings would be more energy-efficient and cost the University less to operate - keeping tuition increases lower. He also mentioned that being LEED-certified would enhance Drexel's reputation, as certification is still relatively rare. It would signify that Drexel wishes to address the worldwide issue of global climate change with action.

When talking to students and faculty, it may seem that further campus expansion is unwanted. However, Katsaounis said the University ensures that students' voices are heard through many different means. He mentioned that the master planning process included representatives of the student body through the USGA.

Anthony Caneris, senior vice president for Student Life and Administrative Services, who is retiring this spring, meets with representatives from the USGA almost monthly for Planning Design and Construction matters. Additional forums in which students can express their wishes to the administration on this topic include the quarterly student luncheons held by Caneris and Town Hall meetings with Papadakis. Additionally, members of the University community can contact Papadakis, Caneris and other administrators by e-mail, and are encouraged to do so.