LEED (Leadership in Environment and Energy Design) accreditation:
LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and provides building owners and operators with a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. Throughout the design we have included a LEED Accredited Professional to ensure that sustainable building elements were included in the design and he will continue to be involved in the construction process to ensure the items are followed through in the construction.
Unfortunately, we will not be applying for this accreditation because the process is expensive, and the extra funding is simply not available nor justifiable in the budget. Many communities on the East or West coast have tax incentives, utility rebates, and other municipality items that will pay the owner back for working to get this certification that are not available for our project in the Midwest.
Sustainable practices being implemented in the new construction:
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The wood structure of the house will be made from materials that were produced in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) Principles and Criteria.
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Using local general contractor, local labor, and materials from local sources to reduce project overall environmental impact.
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The existing building site was used to place a portion of the building below grade with a walk-out basement and multiple story layout allow the heating and cooling levels to be reduced.
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Sealing & improving the building’s envelope to reduce heating & cooling loss:
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Windows are Energy Star rated with Low E glass to reduce energy gain and loss
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We are using an insulation system that has the house wrap integrated into the product.
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It creates a better seal around the house increasing envelope performance.
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Wall and roof insulation were improved over the recommended minimums.
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Reduce utility use and costs
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Zoned heating and cooling units are high efficiency and have multiple stages to evenly heat and cool spaces while maintaining occupant comfort.
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Roughly thirty percent of the building's energy consumption is from lighting, so occupancy sensors have been used throughout the building to reduce lighting energy.
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Indirect lighting was factored into areas with vaulted ceilings to reduce wattage levels required
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All appliances purchased will meet the requirements of the Energy Star standard.
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The domestic water system has a high efficiency condensing water heater and low flow water fixtures to reduce potable water consumption.
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Reducing use of disposable items in the new house (paper plates, plastic cups, paper towels, etc)
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Having designated recycle areas for items that are used so that items are not sent to landfills to reduce the long term environmental impact of the house.
Landscaping
As we near the time to begin the landscaping of our new home, we will try to use whatever resources from our alumnae that we are aware of to help us better choose plants suitable for our area.
What was 1800 Pine
On May 22nd of 2010, we held a Demolition Sale which allowed members of the Rolla community and surrounding area to come in and recycle the existing building material and divert it from a landfill. We sold all the windows, many of the doors, the wood paneling in the wood wing, most of the light fixtures, and a few other pieces of the house. Any contents that were not sold were placed at the curbside with a FREE sign. Most of the random leftovers were gone by Sunday afternoon. Since much of the house and contents were sold and removed, there is now less that was carried off to a landfill. We also had an alumna salvage some of the bricks for her own landscaping. Additionally, we salvaged some of them for sisters that have expressed an interest in owning one.
For recruitment in Fall 2010, we showcased our new house, the floor plans and the design, as well as a few of the sustainability items that we are implementing. House Corporation has started and will continue to educate our collegians about ways they can have a positive impact on their environment. Our goal is to increase the visibility of the “green” sustainable building practices that have been incorporated into the new house and we will continue to improve our communication avenues to emphasize these choices.
House Corporation is doing our best to provide safe and adequate housing for the next generation of Kappa Delta's and striving to adequately share with our alumnae base what decisions we have made. Please remember that those on House Corporation are only volunteers. These volunteers have jobs, families, and other activities besides Kappa Delta. We are all striving for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest. We are working to share these beliefs in our everyday life, as well as in our new Kappa Delta home.
Sylvia Strackeljahn
New House & Steering Committee Chair
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