Institution Profile: Spelman College

Atlanta, GA
Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Enrollment: Approx. 2,100

 

 

GREEN BUILDING PROJECT PROFILE

Project Introduction

Bird’s Eye view of The Suites building
Photo Credit: Brookwood Group

The Suites

Functions: Residential Housing, Dining Hall and Underground Parking

Completion: July 2008

LEED® Rating Version: LEED® NC 2.2

Certification: Awarded LEED® Silver

Approximate Built-up Area.: 200,000 sq.ft.

 

"The Suites" building is located on the southwest end of the Spelman campus. It is the first LEED®-Certified residential hall on any Historically Black College or University and the first construction to take place on the Spelman campus in the 21st century. The building, which houses approximately 300 students, can accommodate 100 cars in its underground parking and includes a 175-seat dining hall. The parking deck includes preferred parking for environment-friendly, low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles as well as covered secure bicycle storage areas.

Following are the steps1 that were taken to guarantee minimal impact on the environment as well as to increase quality of indoor air quality.

  • A previous parking lot was converted into a green space for students, which now provides natural habitat for local flora and fauna.
  • Removed trees were relocated on the campus.
  • Steel and finishes with high-recycled contents were used to reduce the impact on virgin materials.
  • Low or no VOC paints were applied across the building.
  • GreenGuard-certified carpets and carpet adhesives were used in the building.
  • Forest Stewardship Council Certified woods and composite woods were used in the interior spaces and furniture systems.
  • Green housekeeping practice is employed to reduce the overall impact of cleaning on the health of the occupant as well as the environment.

 

1 H.J. Enck. (September 2007) “Building Green for Future Generations.” Environmental Design + Construction. Retrieved June 9, 2009.