Worcester Polytechnic Institute

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the President’s Task Force on Sustainability brings together students, faculty, and staff to lead and coordinate the school’s efforts to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. To this end, WPI’s sustainability goals are interwoven with its academic and research endeavors, both local and global.

WPI’s East Hall, intended as a model for all future green buildings on campus, embodies this institutional commitment to sustainable practices, supporting the school’s academic mission while conserving energy and natural resources. A green roof and a stormwater monitor and testing station in the ground-floor lobby educate students and the public about green design and enrich the institute’s environmental science curriculum. Energy performance optimization, system commissioning, and low-flow plumbing fixtures achieve 30% reductions in energy and water consumption. Abundant, glare-free daylighting, high air quality, and localized thermal and lighting controls create a comfortable, supportive living environment designed to lure upperclass students back to campus living.

East Hall attained LEED Gold certification in June 2009.

• Project creates community green space on previously developed, underutilized site
• Facility is accessible via public transportation
• Bicycle storage and changing rooms encourage alternative transportation
• Parking spaces are reserved for carpool and hybrid vehicles
• More than 25% of open space is vegetated
• 90% of stormwater runoff is captured or treated
• Stormwater treatment removes 80% of total suspended solids
• High-reflectance paving, white reflective roof, and green roof reduce heat-island effect
• Light fixture cutoffs and occupancy sensor controls reduce night-sky light pollution

• Green roof monitor and testing station educates public about green design and supports campus sustainable design curriculum
• Project team includes LEED-accredited professionals

• No-smoking policy, carbon dioxide monitoring, and outdoor air delivery monitoring ensure air quality
• Construction indoor air quality management plan implemented during construction and before occupancy
• Low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet, and composite woods used throughout
• Individual fan coil units and lighting controls enable user control of air temperature, fresh air supply, and illumination
• Daylight reaches 75% of interior spaces
• 90% of spaces enjoy views to outdoors

• Storage and collection areas provided for recyclables
• 95% of construction waste diverted from landfills
• Up to 20% of building materials incorporate recycled content, including synthetic gypsum, ceiling tile, and steel studs
• 20% of building materials are manufactured regionally, including drywall, brick, and architectural precast
• Wood is certified by Forest Stewardship Council

• Energy recovery wheels recover heat energy from exhaust air
• Energy performance optimization achieves energy savings of at least 30%
• Enhanced commissioning of building energy systems improves energy efficiency
• Refrigeration and fire-suppression equipment is free of HCFCs and halons
• Fin-style sunshades on windows reduce solar gain and aid sun penetration in winter

• Landscaping requires no irrigation
• Low-flow fixtures reduce water use by 30%

• Five-story, 232-bed residence hall
• 220-car parking structure with one level below grade, providing site with a landscaped edge
• Landscaped 40-foot-wide “Arts Walk” connecting center of campus with city of Worcester’s arts district