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West (Green) Quad & Green Buildings
University Housing’s west (Green) Quadrangle is a 500-bed Living Learning complex. The $29 million project will integrate technology, design, sustainability and learning as it seeks LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification as a green building. The complex will be among the first LEED certified buildings in South Carolina and one of only few certified green residence halls in the world.
The complex is designed and located to draw students and faculty from such areas as engineering, technology and the environment to help promote the retention and academic standing of students in these areas. Learning will be integrated into the daily lives of students by providing accessible areas that include; a technology center, flexible classrooms, tutoring spaces and permanent live-in faculty apartments on site.
West (Green) Quad is designed to be a sustainable living environment. Defined in simple terms, sustainability is the idea of meeting present needs without compromising the needs of future generations. As a resident of West (Green) Quad, your impact on the Earth will be minimized in comparison to that of others. It is important to remember that your actions can decrease your personal impact on the Earth even more by making considerate choices.
Benefits of Green Buildings:
- Environmental Benefits
- Reduce the impacts of natural resource consumption
- Economic Benefits
- Improve the bottom line
- Health & Safety Benefits
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Community Benefits
- Minimize strain on local infrastructures and improve quality of life
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Environmental Impact of Buildings:
- 65.2% of total US electricity consumption
- 36% of total US primary energy use
- 30% of total us greenhouse gas emissions
- 136 million tons of construction & demolition waste in the US annually
- 12% of potable water use in the US
- 40% (3 billion tons annually) of raw materials use
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