建筑环境

North Central's cutting edge science center synthesizes sustainable design and a state of the art research facility. 这125,000 square foot building was built to LEED silver standards and includes a wide variety of sustainability features, 包括:

• A 59.52 kWp solar system, generating approximately 4% of the building's large energy demand
• 白膜屋顶 improves energy efficiency and decreases the heat island effect
• Electrochromic glass windows on the west side of the building sense how much solar heat gain is coming in through the windows and automatically adjust the glass tint to provide the correct solar load based on the indoor space requirements. In addition to reducing heating and cooling demands, this also increases comfort for occupants
• Energy efficiency lighting and occupancy sensors
• 高效暖通空调系统
• Low flow fixtures and dual flush toilets
• 雨水花园围绕着大楼, which provide a habitat for pollinators and help mitigate and manage storm-water runoff
• Permeable pavers on the west side of the building allow rainwater to infiltrate to the ground below. As the water goes through the layers of the permeable pavers pollutants are filtered out and the same benefits listed above for rain gardens are achieved.

只要有可能, North Central renovates and repurposes existing buildings to meet the college's changing needs. While new buildings are often more efficient, it takes 10 to 80 years to overcome the negative carbon impact that comes with new construction versus renovation. Repurposing buildings also saves green spaces on campus and reduces waste. Recent building renovation projects have included the Oesterle 图书馆 & Learning Commons and the School of Business & 创业.

North Central’s newest residence hall incorporates a variety of sustainability features without compromising for comfort and style. The building was completed in just 9 months and build to LEED silver standards. Locally manufactured precast panels create an airtight seal, reducing energy demand and allowing for faster construction. 其他功能包括: 

• 30 solar thermal panels, which account for approximately 30% of the hot water needs of the building
• 白膜屋顶, reducing the heat island effect and increasing energy efficiency 
• 节能窗 
• 地板辐射采暖 
• 节能照明 
• 低流量水装置 
• Rain gardens surrounding the building 
• The nearby spring fed pond was enlarged during construction to help stormwater management 

The 宿舍/娱乐中心 is the heart of sustainable development on North Central's campus. This one-of-a-kind building is a 265-bed residence hall wrapped around a 100,000平方英尺的娱乐中心. The building meets the needs of students requesting safe and comfortable living options and neighbors expressing a desire to maintain the quality of green space within the neighborhood. 建筑结构达到LEED (领导 in Energy and Environmental Design)银牌认证，特点:

• 1,632 solar pv panels can be found on roof the Residence Hall and 娱乐 Center, providing approximately 22% of the building's electricity.  View the real-time energy production 在这里.
• Energy-efficient windows and lighting
• 个人恒温器
• Geothermal heating and cooling system
• 预制建筑围护结构
• 白膜屋顶
• 节水设备
• Low VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and carpets
• Construction/manufactured materials purchased regionally and made with recycled content
• 带顶棚自行车存放处

The building has preserved precious green space by combining a residence hall and recreation center. The 宿舍/娱乐中心's sustainable features enable it to use 17.5 percent less energy than if built with traditional features. 

The Wentz Concert Hall and 美术 Center exemplifies social sustainability as it brings the campus and city communities together to socially enhance creativity, 促进教育, 保护文化. 进一步, the building houses state-of-the-art lighting and HVAC-automated systems to reduce energy consumption.