From industrial-strength ventilation systems to huge water ionization tanks, buildings dedicated to scientific research and training—by their very nature—are tremendous consumers of energy and other resources.

That is why the Gold LEED® rating recently bestowed on DePaul University's new Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Environmental Science and Chemistry Building is truly remarkable. The designation, by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the first for university science buildings in Illinois. The 130,000-square-foot facility opened in January 2009 and represents a major leap forward in DePaul's efforts to prepare more students for careers in the sciences—especially women and students of color.

George Tuhowski, the USGBC Chicago Chapter's board vice chair, presented DePaul with a plaque designating the building's Gold LEED certification at a ceremony on Sept. 23 held on McGowan's rooftop.

"DePaul is certainly leading by example and demonstrating a superior commitment to excellence and sustainability," said Tuhowski. "With a variety of energy efficient systems and environmentally sensitive materials, the building's greatest value will be in the form of optimal productivity as well as the health and wellness of all those who use it. Chicago is the world leader in LEED projects because of partners like DePaul University who are not only advocates of sustainability, but practitioners as well."

The green features of McGowan South, as the building is known on campus, added roughly 1.7 percent to its construction cost of $35.3 million. However, those investments are expected to make the structure 24 percent more energy efficient than a comparable building that is merely compliant with Chicago's basic building standards. The financial savings stemming from the energy efficiencies are expected to recoup the costs of the green investments in about five years, according to Robert Janis, vice president of facility operations.

McGowan South features a wide variety of energy-efficient elements including thermal mass walls, double-pane windows, a partially green roof, high-efficiency boilers and water heaters, dual-flush toilets, low-flow sinks and showers, and room occupancy sensors and daylight-harvesting equipment to minimize lighting costs, according to Robert Janis, vice president for Facility Operations. The building also utilized locally produced and recycled building materials and native landscaping to eliminate watering needs.

"DePaul is pleased that our efforts to make the McGowan South Building a model of sustainable development have garnered recognition by the preeminent building efficiency agency in the nation," said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., DePaul's president. "That this building will be used to teach environmental sciences makes this designation all the more fitting. The building itself will serve as an example of environmental stewardship to all those who pass through its doors."

The Illinois Clean Energy Foundation, a non-profit that works to improve Illinois' environment, provided a $100,000 grant to help design the project's environmentally friendly features.

James Montgomery, chairman of DePaul's Environmental Science department, noted that the building has allowed DePaul to increase its academic offerings substantially. "DePaul's science programs are known for giving undergraduate students outstanding opportunities to conduct hands-on, scientific research, and McGowan South greatly bolsters those programs," said Montgomery. "The facility provides ready access to boats that we use frequently for field research on the nearby Chicago River."

In addition to a green rooftop demonstration garden, McGowan South's roof also accommodates two new greenhouses that contain expanded research projects. Several faculty members in Environmental Science, including Judy Bramble, Mark Potosnak and Sarah Richardson, and their students, have already helped to fill the greenhouses with plants that are being studied for a variety of properties that might have environmental impacts.

The facility also offers locker rooms for building occupants who commute by bicycle.

U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to soar to $60 billion by 2010. The USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system is the preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 5.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.