DLR Group’s design for the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln was recently certified LEED Silver.
The Multicultural Center is located adjacent to the Student Union. The three-story, 30,000 SF building has become a campus destination with its strong visual identity and expanded programs and services.
The sustainable goal for the project was LEED certification. During the course of the project, the design team determined that sustainable elements of the design could advance the building to the LEED Silver threshold.
Sustainable Design Details, Green Materials, and Practices:
- Three story building with compact floor plate design results in reduced wall and roof area to limit envelope heat gains/losses.
- Primary exterior building materials of locally extracted and manufactured concrete block, face brick and precast concrete.
- Reduced heat island effect for both roof and non-roof surfaces by specifying roof and paving materials with high reflectance.
- Reduced water consumption by specifying water efficient landscape materials and low water consumption plumbing fixtures.
- Reduced energy consumption by specifying tinted, insulated, low E glazing and limiting window openings on south, east and west elevations. Curtainwall glazing (low-E) used only on north elevation and under overhangs.
- High efficiency, variable air volume HVAC system with individual room terminal boxes and temperature controls to maximize energy efficiency and user control.
- Implemented an indoor air quality management plan during construction to improve environmental quality for both construction workers and building occupants.
- Specified low VOC and low emitting products for adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet, and composite wood.
- Specified high efficiency, low mercury fluorescent lamps for interior lighting.
- Specified light fixtures and placement that limit night time light pollution
