University of Oklahoma building is its first to receive a LEED Gold rating
Gallogly Hall at the University of Oklahoma in Norman has received a LEED Gold rating, the first facility at the university to achieve gold certification.
Construction of the 75,000-square-foot facility in the heart of university's Engineering Quad was completed in 2019, OU says in a news release.
The building houses the Gallogly College of Engineering’s Diversity and Inclusion Program, the Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, 10 classrooms and teaching labs, group meeting spaces, a maker’s space, a rooftop terrace and a large common area.
“Taking a project through the LEED certification process is rigorous and challenging,” said Eric Conrad, OU vice president for operations and chief operating officer. “Many factors in Gallogly Hall’s design and its ongoing operations played a role in its gold certification achievement. It was truly a team effort, and I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that went into the project by a whole host of OU employees.”
The project employed many sustainable design and construction strategies, including:
- An innovative hybrid HVAC system that uses both variable volume air handling and exhaust systems and chilled beams;
- Use of recycled and locally available materials;
- Mitigation of the heat island effect through roof and hardscape materials;
- Diversion of 80% of on-site construction generated waste from the landfill;
- A storm water and condensate recovery system for reuse in the building purified water system.
Gallogly Hall is expected to yield energy cost savings of 39%, compared with buildings constructed using traditional design practices.
Eight other university buildings have received LEED recognition; six have a Certified rating, and two have a Silver rating.
