University of Minnesota, Science Teaching and Student Services Center – LEED Gold Certified
Address: 222 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Overview:
The University of Minnesota’s Science Teaching and Student Services Center (STSS) achieved LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. STSS is the first LEED Gold certified building on the Twin Cities campus, located on Minneapolis’ East Bank at the intersection of the Mississippi River and the future Central Corridor Lightrail. The building demonstrates sustainability in design, construction, and operations. STSS’s sustainable features improve occupant health for students, faculty and staff while decreasing operating costs through efficient building systems – providing long term benefit for taxpayers and the University. Take a virtual tour of the sustainable features within STSS.
“It’s appropriate that a building that supports science education and overlooks a great river would be built with principles of sustainability at the forefront,” said, U of M President Robert Bruininks at the opening of STSS in August 2010.
Key Sustainability Features & Practices
- A high-efficiency irrigation system reduces water consumption by 71%, integrating smart technologies and native landscaping to maximize water retention and minimize runoff.
- The building’s design facilitates natural convection, drawing warmer air out of the building and circulating fresh air for building occupants.
- The exterior glass utilized a custom-designed white dot pattern and strategically-placed columns to maximize views of the Mississippi River and downtown, minimize glare and reduce solar heat gain by 50%.
- Through the use of low-flow sinks and bathroom fixtures, approximately 362,000 gallons of water are saved annually.
- STSS integrated sections of the old foundation from the Science Classroom Building that previously occupied the site; saving time, money and materials.
- 94% of construction debris from the site was diverted from the landfill to be reused or recycled.
- When possible, construction materials manufactured within a 500-mile radius of Minneapolis were selected to reduce emissions from transportation and support the regional economy.
- STSS provides easy access to alternative transportation options, including biking, busing, and the future Central Corridor Lightrail.
- The building reduces carbon emissions 555 tons annually when compared to a similar building without the LEED principles.
