Loyola Marymount University’s Life Sciences Building, which opened its doors to students this past August, was recently awarded LEED Gold certification—a significant achievement for a science building, which requires a significant amount of energy to operate.
This is LMU’s fifth LEED-certified building and second LEED Gold building. Hannon Library received LEED Gold certification in 2011. Del Rey North, Del Rey South and Leavey 6 are also LEED-certified.
One of the building’s most prominent features that contributes to its sustainability is the 11,300-square-foot green roof. The three-story green roof helps cool the rooms beneath and mitigate stormwater pollution. Covered by drought-tolerant plants, the green roof also serves as an outdoor living laboratory where students measure rain-water pollutants and study stormwater retention.
Other sustainable features include:
- 8,200 square feet of photovoltaic panels that generate 10% of building’s power
- Infrastructure for future recycled-water flushing system
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures
- Storm water street planters to control storm water run-off
- High-performance glass
- Roofing material prevents solar heat gain by deflecting sun rays
- Independent climate and lighting control in individual offices
- Building insulation better than required code
Watch a video that discusses the Life Sciences Building sustainability.
