Salisbury University Academic Commons Case Study

I. PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project Name: Salisbury University Academic Commons Project Location: Salisbury University Main Campus 1101 Camden Avenue Salisbury, MD 21801

LEED® Rating System LEED for New Construction

LEED® Rating Version 2009 (v3)

Certification Level Gold Project Size 224,024 GSF Year Completed 2016 Project Type Student Commons/ Library

Design Team:

• Owner: Salisbury University, UMD Facilities • Architect: Ayers Saint Gross • Consulting Architect: Sasaki Architects • Contractor: Gilbane INc.

Salisbury University Academic Commons Case Study

• Mech. & Plumb: Mueller Associates • Elec: WFT Engineering • LEED: Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC • Energy Modeling: Sustainable Building Partners • Civil: Site Resources Inc. • Landscape: Floura Teeter • Structural: Cagley & Associates • Lighting: MCLA • Kitchen: Birchfield Jacobs

II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Guerrieri Academic Commons opened its doors to the University in August of 2016. This building will serve as the hub of academic life on campus, serving faculty and students in all disciplines. Its program includes abundant resources, including library space, areas for public events, quiet study, research, specialized materials, local archives, and digital publication development. It also houses the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture. The construction of this project required the demolition of the existing Caruthers Hall and related site and utility improvements.

III. PROJECT GOALS Salisbury University’s commitment to sustainability is an integral part of the overall master plan and has been praised by the Maryland Board of Public Works for their leadership in conservation of their local environment. The school supports an active community called USC (University Sustainability Committee) comprised of faculty, students and staff who work towards the implementation of environmental practices campus-wide and in the academic community through various research and study opportunities. Sustainability initiatives are pursed help further enhance the understanding of the built and natural environment.

Current environmental goals in Salisbury’s master plan include: reducing expansive parking lots, increasing accessibility by bike, restoring vegetated areas to native and adaptive species, up-grading lighting to energy efficient fixtures, increasing recycling on-campus, installing water-conserving plumbing fixtures, increasing the HVAC efficiency and implementing sustainable construction practices.

IV. STRATEGIES TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY Listed in order as they appear on the LEED v2009® scorecard

Sustainable Sites: • The Academic Commons replaces what was once the site of Caruther’s Hall and a portion of an

existing parking lot. The location of this project lends itself to have access to many local amenities such as the campus dining hall, social/recreation areas, shopping, fitness centers, salons, and 2 bus routes.

• The site design is complete with varied textures of natural paving and plantings which promotes accessibility by foot and bike, as parking is limited.

Salisbury University Academic Commons Case Study

• The roof is composed of both a light-colored reflective membrane as well as areas of vegetation. The vegetated roof contains over six species of native sedum, increasing storm water management as well as a providing a habitat for the local wildlife. The overall the “heat island” effect is decreased because less heat is absorbed on site due to the combination of the vegetated roof, reflective roofing materials, and the reduced area of site hardscape.

Water Efficiency: • Water savings was achieved by selecting water saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, urinals,

and time-metered faucets. The savings is 40.8% above baseline water usage rates.

Energy & Atmosphere: A large focus for Salisbury University is to increase energy efficiency. The following strategies were implemented throughout the facility: • The greatest energy savings is achieved through the design of a high efficiency building envelope

to reduce the heat gain/ loss during the peak months of HVAC use • Lighting controls such as occupancy sensors prevent fixtures from being left on unnecessarily,

daylight sensors will auto-dim a fixture should enough natural light permeate the space to reach the desired threshold.

• The building is fully commissioned to ensure that all mechanical systems will operate at their designed efficiencies. Ongoing monitoring through a building automation system and continuing commissioning will ensure that the systems will perform as designed through their lifespan.

• The mechanical system design included energy efficient HVAC equipment, demand control of ventilation air, occupancy sensor controls, variable airflow air handling systems, variable water flow heating and chilled water distribution systems, and total energy recover heat wheels.

Materials & Resources: • Over 75% of the construction waste (by weight) was diverted from landfill. Salvaged materials

were metal, wood, concrete, and sheet rock. • Over 20% recycled and regional products are installed in this project. Major regional material

contributors include cast-in place concrete and masonry. The major recycled content contributors include steel, gypsum board, and acoustic ceiling panels.

• On-campus recycling has improved to a rate of over 45% (as of survey conducted in 2013), recycling items such as food waste, electronic equipment, printer toner, fluorescent tubes, glass, and aluminum.

Indoor Environmental Quality: • It is a known fact that people perform better when daylight and views are present.1 Therefore,

both elements were maximized to an optimal level of user comfort. • Green Cleaning and Integrated Pest Management Plans were updated to the latest standards

and are implemented to ensure that the use of toxic chemicals is minimized. • To minimize VOC (volatile organic compound) levels, low-VOC paints and coatings are installed. • Flooring and furniture throughout the building space is low VOC. • Carbon dioxide sensors and humidity controls were incorporated in the ventilation system to

improve air quality.

1 http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy00osti/28049.pdf

Salisbury University Academic Commons Case Study

• Plastic laminate adhesives and substrates have no added urea-formaldehyde, reducing the occupant’s exposure to what could possibly be a skin or respiratory irritant as well as a suspected carcinogen.

V. LESSONS LEARNED

The active engagement of the entire design team and the Owner and good communication were critical to the success of the project. The Architect, Civil Engineer, Landscape Architect, and LEED Consultant worked to secure nearly all possible LEED credits for Sustainable Sites. The Architect, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, and Energy Modelers developed the design to be very energy efficient. The Owner contributed not only with campus-wide initiatives that earned Innovation Credits, but also with committing to a car sharing system and an electrical vehicle charging station.

The commitment to sustainability and good communication continued to be important during the construction phase. It was integral to the success of the project for the construction team to actively track all aspects of sustainability, ensuring the project’s LEED® goals would be met upon completion. A significant coordination effort between the GC and the subcontractors was needed to ensure comprehension of the project’s sustainability goals, and what was needed to achieve them.