The University of Rhode Island's Center for Biotechnology & Life Sciences was just awarded LEED Gold. "The 140,000 s/f facility houses modern teaching laboratories, cutting edge research laboratories, high-tech facilities for DNA sequencing and analysis, faculty offices, a 100-seat classroom, and a two-story, 300-seat auditorium, all to meet the needs of URI's growing environmental biotechnology, life and health sciences programs."

"The center features a four-story atrium that connects the research wing with the teaching wing, a rooftop patio, a stairway that suggests the DNA double-helix, and interior spaces designed to encourage interaction among faculty and students. It also includes design elements that will qualify it for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification, just the second new construction project in the state to achieve the designation. The first was URI's Hope Commons dining hall in 2008."

""Notable sustainable design features include a 'green' roof that is partially covered in vegetation that will serve to filter pollutants and reduce heating and cooling needs; a rain garden and storm water treatment feature with a sophisticated drainage and detention system; daylight harvesting technologies to brighten rooms and warm the floors; an energy efficient heating and cooling system; and environmentally friendly framing and interior finish wood" (NEREJ).

The Green Roundtable / NEXUS's Green Building Consultants provided provided LEED and sustainable design strategies consulting for this 138,000 SF LEED Gold Certified educational center, which includes lab and classroom spaces. NEXUS-recommended and -adopted strategies include chilled beam technology and natural ventilation and conditioning for the main atrium. Payette Associates was the architect, Gilbane Building Co. was the construction manager, and Lerner Ladds Bartels was the associate architects and LEED administrator.

Image Credit: Payette Associates