UA considers environmental concerns

The University recently became an institutional member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Council is a non-profit organization composed of 13,500 organizations committed to advancing sustainable building methods. Members come from all areas of the building and construction industry.

Tim Leopard, UA vice president of construction administration, said constructing sustainable buildings is beneficial for the University and the environment.

"Sustainable building is constructing something so that it has the least impact on the environment," Leopard said. "We tend to own our buildings for a long time, so we want to build structures that will last."

By joining the Council, UA officials hope to raise the profile of sustainability and demonstrate the principles of green building on campus through educational courses and the incorporation of green design in UA facilities.

According to the Council's Web site, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection and indoor environmental quality.

LEED is a practical rating tool for green building design and construction that provides immediate and measurable results for building owners and occupants.

"The University has followed a lot of principles for sustainable design," Leopard said. "But we will not be seeking LEED certification."

Leopard said the University has been constructing building with LEED principles before it became a popular method.

"We have been building like this for a long time," Leopard said. "Our buildings are not disposable, they are adaptable."

Leopard said Lloyd Hall is an example of an adaptable building. It has served as the home of the department of chemistry since 1929, and, once the department moves to the new addition to Shelby Hall, which is set to open in August 2009, Lloyd Hall will serve as an interdisciplinary freshman science building.

"We are adapting it for general classroom use," Leopard said. "Renovating it is a lot less expensive than building a completely new structure."

Shelby Hall is also being constructed following sustainable building guidelines. Leopard said the University is utilizing building commissioning, which is documented confirmation that systems within the building are functioning properly.

"We want to make sure we have a great environment for students to learn and faculty to work," Leopard said.

Media Coordinator for Alabama Environmental Concerns Emily Roberson, a sophomore majoring in advertising, said if the University wants to improve the environment, they should start with the CrimsonRide transit system.

"I noticed the CrimsonRide goes around with hardly anyone in them at certain times of the day," said Roberson. "These huge buses are wasting a lot of energy, so the University should look at that."

Roberson also said the University should look toward investing in renewable energy, especially as these technology become more affordable.

"For other parts of the country it's the norm," Roberson said. "We're just a little behind."