LEED Certified Buildings
Stephen A. Levin Building – LEED Silver Certification
The six-story Levin Building integrates psychology, biology and behavioral sciences under one roof with research laboratories, teaching facilities, and space for students to collaborate and study. Strategically located between the Leidy Labs at 3740 Hamilton Walk and the Carolyn Lynch Labs at 433 S. University Ave., the building completed Penn Arts and Sciences’ life sciences expansion project. The building’s design team was led by SmithGroup JJR Architects and Engineers. P. Agnes Inc. was the construction manager. Its design reflects its function in the ornate aluminum sunscreen on the south façade, designed to convey the branching and network structures found at all scales of biology and to resonate in psychological, linguistic, and cognitive models. The sunscreen also contributes to the building’s sustainability by offering an expected minimal 50 percent reduction of solar heat gain during summer months. The building was awarded LEED Silver Certification in April 2018.
Lerner Center – LEED Silver Certification
Given a goal of LEED Silver at the beginning of design, the Music Building project surpassed expectations and is the first LEED Gold building on campus. By exceeding targets set early in design, closely monitoring construction activities and the selection of materials and products, and with the University’s commitment to carry on sustainable practices after the completion of construction, this project was able to achieve multiple goals for sustainable design, construction, and operation.
The project goes beyond energy standards with efficient lighting and controls, mechanical, and plumbing systems. Other sustainable features include passive stormwater management techniques; reduced site water use with planting material selection and “smart” controls that adjust irrigation based on rainfall levels; recycling or salvaging 95% of construction waste; use of recycled and regionally produced construction materials such as steel and concrete; interior finishes and Greenguard labeled furnishings made with sustainable and recycled materials; and ongoing use of “green” housekeeping methods and cleaning products.