Residence hall receives LEED certification

Building 10,000

Penn State Harrisburg is leading the way with its energy efficient and high-performance, green-designed residence hall. The four-story, $10 million building is the only LEED-certified residence hall in the Penn State Commonwealth Campus system.

The college has commemorated Building 10,000’s receipt of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver level certification, indicating that the building achieved at least 50 points on LEED’s 110-point evaluation scale. The rating system serves as a “consensus-based, market-driven building rating system based on existing proven technology,” according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

The residence hall’s green features include energy-efficient lighting fixtures, agri-fiber paneling, rain gardens, and low-flow water fixtures. Building 10,000 was constructed on an east-west axis to maximize exposure to sunlight. Residents also enjoy the wireless internet access — the first wireless system ever installed in a Penn State residence hall.

The building’s lounge furniture, window shades, carpet, and surface and construction materials like concrete and steel are all partially comprised of recycled materials. Built-in recycling areas on each floor encourage residents to reduce waste. Building materials were chosen from local sources to support the area economy and reduce energy use.

Cook said feedback from first-year occupants has been overwhelmingly positive since the building opened in fall 2010.

“Students love the building,” he said. “They love the layout; they love the décor.”