By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s first new building to be constructed on the North Campus in more than 30 years has another claim to fame.
Building 400 has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design features such as solar tubing, low-flow sinks and toilets, carpeting made from recycled materials and the use of exterior materials that reduce light pollution.
It is the first facility on the campus to receive LEED certification.
“This beautiful building symbolizes the college’s commitment to 21st century jobs, including the new green jobs for which we will develop programs at this college,” President Dr. Carol Spalding said. “It also sets the new standards for the college’s energy use, our commitments to sustainability and the quality of the classroom environment we aspire to for all our students and programs.”
The building’s green design will save the college more than $14,000 in utility costs and slash water usage by 60,000 gallons each year.
“All of these savings will certainty pay for themselves over time,” said Bill Hughes, the LEED accredited professional at Yates Chreitzberg Hughs of Concord — the firm that designed the building.
Seventy-four percent of construction waste was recycled, 45 percent of the building materials were made of recycled products and 33 percent of the building materials were manufactured regionally, reducing air pollution by limiting the number of miles traveled.
Gold is the second-highest LEED certification level.
Hughes said a small percentage of new constructions receive the certification. Building 400 is the fourth building in the Charlotte area to reach the gold level, he said.
“What an immense accomplishment,” he said.
LEED certificated building are designed to lower operating costs and increase asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills conserve energy and water, be healthier and safer for occupants and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Green Building Council website.
Spalding said the college is “walking the walk: when it comes to being good stewards of natural resources and the environment.
“Having our newest building meet the high LEED standards is one more way Rowan-Cabarrus is showing its commitment to and demonstrating leadership in sustainability,” she said.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.