University’s sustainability building goes green

Photos by Mark Boisclair Photography

I am writing this as not only the MNN Business Blogger but also as a proud Arizona State University Sun Devil.  In the early 1990s when I was a young ASU student, sustainability was not much of a concern for the majority of my college mates but today, Arizona State University is home to the first School of Sustainability in the United States.

 

The School of Sustainability is housed in the Global Institute of Sustainability.  The Institute building was originally constructed in the 1960s as the home of the ASU School of Nursing.  The University, understanding that the first ever school dedicated to sustainability needed to be housed in a green building, dedicated the funds needed to convert the aging structure to one that aims to obtain LEED Silver certification.

 

There are six wind turbines on the building and the University plans to install solar panels on the roof in 2010.  “The building also makes use of a wide variety of high recycled content products such as countertops made from recycled milk jugs inlaid with shavings from recycled cans and GreenGuard® Indoor Air Quality Certified furniture; as well as low VOC-emitting paints, carpet, flooring, gypsum sheathing and interior signage.” Source: Pitch Engine

 

The Arizona State University School of Sustainability offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  Students can prepare for their future green job in a certified green building if all goes as planned.