The Kellogg School of Management’s Global Hub at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., has received LEED Platinum certification for its environmentally friendly design and construction.
The university says the 415,000-square-foot facility, which opened in March 2017, is the first newly constructed building at Northwestern to receive a platinum rating. It is the 12th university building on the Evanston and Chicago campuses to receive LEED certification.
“A world-class facility demands world-class practices, and the Global Hub checks all of the boxes." says Kellogg Chief Operating Officer William Garrett. "it minimizes its carbon footprint, is comfortable and healthy for its occupants and encourages collaboration and a sense of community.”
The Global Hub is powered by a geothermal energy system underneath an adjacent football practice field that provides efficient heating and cooling. LED lighting is used in nearly 6,000 fixtures throughout the facility.
It features low-flow plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption by 40 percent. Its landscaping is designed for efficient irrigation and contains adapted plants that require minimal watering.
Its lakefront location on the Evanston campus gives building occupants easy access to multiple forms of sustainable transportation. The facility has bike racks, showers and changing rooms for cyclists.
“We are proud to have successfully integrated best-in-class sustainability with a stunning architectural design, proving that excellence in design and sustainability are not mutually exclusive,” says Bonnie Humphrey, director of design for facilities.
Other sustainable features:
- Nearly 80 percent of waste generated during construction was diverted from landfills through recycling or reuse.
- The construction team used low-emitting paints, adhesives, sealants and other materials for better indoor air quality.
- An advanced ventilation system circulates fresh air throughout the building.
- Triple-glazed windows keep spaces cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Automated shades respond to heat of the sun on hot days to reduce cooling costs.
- Daylight sensors minimize the need for artificial lighting indoors.
All new construction projects at Northwestern must achieve LEED Gold certification, and major renovations must earn at least LEED Silver.
Since 2010, the university has reduced its energy-use intensity by 11 percent.
