PSU Residence Hall is First in NH to Strike LEED Gold: Langdon Woods Helps Establish University as Environmental Sustainability Leader
From the official press release:
PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Plymouth State University’s newest building, Langdon Woods, is the state’s first residence hall—and one of the nation’s largest—to earn gold-level certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership-Energy-Environmental Design (LEED) program University President Sara Jayne Steen announced today.
“Receiving the USGB gold LEED certification symbolizes the commitment we have as a University to developing an environmentally sustainable plan that will have a positive effect for many, many years,†said Steen. “We are developing our students’ life skills as they learn to live in an environmentally sustainable community.â€
Each student upon move-in to Langdon Woods receives a 6-month supply of organic cleaning kits, and “green building†education is disseminated via brochure, signage in the public spaces, and building tours conducted by PSU staff.
Langdon Woods officially opened in September, 2006, and it features environmentally-conscious design and construction. The state-of-the-art residence hall features a layout that follows the contour of the land on-site, preserving wetlands and other water elements while allowing maximum sunlight exposure for energy conservation. The brick, wood and glass building was outfitted with energy and water conserving fixtures and systems, including waterless urinals and dual flush toilets. These features mean 58 percent— representing a $230,000 annual savings—less energy is used and a 36 percent—or 1.4 million gallons— reduction in water use. The primary heat source for Langdon Woods is provided through a waste-heat co- generation plant housed on-campus. This system is so efficient that this winter Langdon Woods used the equivalent of four days of heating fuel.
“The Langdon Woods achievement of being one of the largest gold residence halls in the United States is a milestone in campus sustainability design. It shows that even buildings with over 100,000 square feet in area and serving hundreds of residents can maintain a high level of sustainability. Buildings this large can have huge negative impacts on the environment. Langdon Woods has kept its carbon footprint to a minimum,†said Richard Moore of Richard Moore Environmental Consulting. “Additionally as impressive is PSU’s commitment to go beyond the building structure itself and to using the building as a learning tool.â€
The Langdon Woods architect is Cannon Design of Boston, Mass., the contractor is Engelberth Construction of Keene, N.H., the engineering firm is RFS of Laconia, N.H. The building is furnished entirely by DCI of Lisbon, N.H.
Langdon Woods’ design and amenities were driven in large part by results of past student surveys in determining what was needed in a residence hall. PSU’s Vice President for Financial Affairs, Bill Crangle, confirms students played a key role with the design of Langdon Woods.
“Students were involved from the beginning in the detail planning for the facility, in addition we involved a number of classes in planning for the LEED certification,†Crangle said.
The Langdon Woods announcement is just the capstone to a comprehensive environmental sustainability program the University is incorporating into all of its campus planning to reduce its environmental impact and raise awareness. The program includes the University’s becoming a member of the American College & University President’s Climate Commitment. Presidents signing the Commitment are pledging to eliminate their campuses’ greenhouse gas emissions.
August 24th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
[...] Crangle and Student Body President Peter Laufenberg speaking about our newest residence hall, the LEED Gold-certified Langdon Woods. When students return to Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, some will move [...]