The UA’s remodeled Student Recreation Center officially received a platinum LEED certification on Friday.
The U.S. Green Building Council awards the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certification to internationally recognized buildings for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Platinum is the highest certification the council designates.
“”When we began the project, our goal was to reach silver,”” said Mark Zakrzewski, interim director of Campus Recreation. “”Then after a few months we thought there was a chance we could see gold. It was not only until a few months ago that we identified we were able to achieve platinum.””
Peter Dourlein, director of planning, design and construction, said an old parking lot was used as the site for the expansion, which was completed in 2010. All the gravel dug up during demolition of the parking lot was then recycled.
“”The building itself is comprised of nearly 30 percent recycled materials,”” Dourlein said.
Building planners selected high efficiency plumbing fixtures that reduced the water use by 47.5 percent. Plants able to thrive in an arid environment were planted around the building, and water-harvesting strategies were incorporated into landscape areas to increase permeability during storms. The building also utilizes passive solar measures as its primary source of energy. The 54,000 square feet of white roofing reflect the sun’s energy and keep the building cool to reduce air conditioning costs.
“”It’s really unheard of for a project to not have a LEED platinum goal at the beginning of their dreams for the project (and attain it),”” Dourlein said. “”There are people who do start out with that goal and do not achieve it.””
Zakrzewski went on to individually thank the main leaders behind the engineering, construction, design and planning of the remodeling of the Rec Center. The audience clapped, as each stood.
“”This is truly a distinction that couldn’t happen without their help,”” said Cody Nicholls, the assistant director of business and student development at Campus Recreation.
The customer service desk inside the Rec Center will display the LEED certification.
