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Mountaineer Hall Receives LEED Gold Certification

Press Release courtesy of Jane Nicholson, director of University News

March 9, 2012. BOONE — Mountaineer Hall, Appalachian State University’s modular constructed residence hall, has received LEED® gold certification based on energy-saving criteria established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). 

Mountaineer Hall was certified under GBCI’s requirements for homes because the 234-unit complex is less than four-stories tall, according to Shari Williamson, assistant director for summer conferences and marketing in University Housing.  The room modules were built by Clayton Homes. 

John S. Clark Construction Company was in charge of on-site installation and construction of the residence facility.

“We are really excited to have our newest residence hall rated gold. University Housing has worked hard to be a role model for the state in regards to sustainability in housing design and operation,” said director Tom Kane. “Appalachian prides itself on being more sustainable every year. 

University Housing has focused its efforts on designing halls students can be proud to live in and can claim are as green as any in the nation.”

LEED®-certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that often includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live.

Mountaineer Hall received a total of 68 points based on its energy saving and sustainability features. Sixty-five points are needed to receive gold certification. 

The project received 16 points for site stewardship that included erosion control measures taken during construction, landscaping and storm water controls. Thirteen points were awarded in the energy and atmosphere category which measured energy performance. Eleven points were awarded in the materials and resources category for the use of environmentally preferred products such as flooring and recycled gypsum board.

Located at 711 Poplar Grove Rd. behind the Student Recreation Center, Mountaineer Hall houses 459 undergraduate students in hotel-style rooms. The building features include energy-efficient lighting with motion sensors, solar panels for hot water, and low-flow shower heads and toilets.

In 2007, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees stated that all new buildings and major renovations must meet LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards for environmentally friendly construction, human and environmental health, sustainable site development, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

This is the second residence facility on campus to received LEED® gold certification. The first was Frank Hall which was renovated in 2009 and received the certification in 2010. 

About the U.S. Green Building Council

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

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

About 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. More than 32,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems,
comprising more than 9.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 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.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.