Download The Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center

The Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center
for Business and Sustainable Enterprise
Ithaca College
953 Danby Road
Ithaca NY 14850
This academic facility, which opened at the start of the
spring 2008 semester, has been certified as meeting
LEED Platinum standards, the
highest certification level of the
U.S. Green Building Council.
The Park Center is the first
facility for an undergraduate
business program in the world to
achieve this designation, and one of only nine LEED Platinum buildings on a U.S. college
or university campus. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the Park Center features
tiered classrooms, a technology lab and trading room, faculty offices, breakout rooms and an atrium overlooking a
vegetated roof. The sustainable features of the $19 million building include:
The four-story, 38,800 square foot building is compactly designed to minimize the amount of land it occupies.
The building is oriented to take maximum advantage of sunshine and prevailing winds. The building is oriented
such that many offices and common areas have a spectacular view of Cayuga Lake, and 90% of spaces have
views to the outside.
The building was built on a former parking lot. 66% of the paved areas on the site are
light-colored or shaded, reducing the “urban heat island effect”. Stormwater runoff
from the site has been reduced by more than 25% compared to the former parking lot.
77% of the area around the exterior of
the building is landscaped with lowmaintenance, native plants.
85% of the roof is vegetated or lightcolored. The vegetated roof helps
control stormwater runoff and provides a
thermal cushion against significant
temperature fluctuation. The white roof further reduces heat load.
The super-insulated exterior walls have twice the R-value of
conventional construction.
The building is designed to use 37% less energy than a code-compliant
building (compared to ASHRAE 90.1-1999). Heat and light from a
multistory, south-facing curtain wall of glass dramatically reduces
energy consumption. The building design features extensive use of day
lighting throughout the
building, further minimizing
energy needs. The building
is designed so that 75% of
spaces have a glazing factor
of at least 2%. Classrooms
have daylight and occupancy
sensors to turn down or switch off overhead lighting when there is
sufficient natural light or the room is empty. Building thermostats are
set at 68-71°F during heating seasons and at 73-75°F during the
cooling season to substantially reduce energy use.
Displacement ventilation delivers low-velocity air at a
higher temperature. Heated air delivered low in the
space rises naturally, saving energy and improving
indoor air quality. In spring and autumn, natural
ventilation brings fresh air in and creates circulation
that moves hot air up and out. In winter, warm air from
hydronic perimeter heating rises throughout the
building.
The finished concrete floors absorb thermal energy
during daylight hours and radiate stored heat to help
reduce overnight heating costs. Offices feature operable
windows so occupants can obtain fresh air. Building
controls constantly measure temperature and CO2
levels and automatically adjust heating, ventilation and
air conditioning, only turning on HVAC systems when needed.
The College has purchased renewable energy certificates (RECs) equaling
the amount of purchased electricity needed for the building. All computers,
FAX machines, copiers, and network printers in use in office and computer
labs meet Energy Star™ energy-saving guidelines.
Use of potable water for bathrooms
and kitchens has been reduced by
70% due to the use of low-flow faucets, waterless urinals, and dual-flush
toilets that connect to a storm water reclamation system. The building is
located within easy access to bus service and features bike
racks and showers for bikers.
87% of construction materials were manufactured locally. Construction
materials have 33% total recycled content (22% post-consumer and 23%
post-industrial content). 74% of new wood construction materials are
certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as harvested from sustainablymanaged woodlots. Coffee tables in the atrium lounge were crafted by
College carpenters from wood harvested from College-owned woodlots.
93% of construction waste was
diverted from landfills by recycling
or salvaging. There are recycling
collection stations throughout the building which
separate trash, containers, paper, and compostables.
The building is maintained with GreenSeal™ certified
non-toxic cleaners and paper products, as are all
buildings at Ithaca College.
The Sustainable Café on the second floor features organic items and
locally produced foods in season. Prepared foods are packaged in cornbased plastic containers. All serviceware (paper cups, plates, napkins, and
eating utensils) is compostable.
Last updated May 13, 2009