DePaul University's Science Building Aims at LEED Certification

DePaul’s new Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Science Building, housing the departments of chemistry, environmental sciences, and biological sciences,  was designed and constructed with LEED certification in mind. The structure contains classrooms, labs, academic offices, and greenhouses. Antunovich Associates designed the facility, which was built by general contractor Bulley & Andrews incorporating environmentally preferred building technologies: energy-efficient lighting and windows; high-efficiency boilers, motors and pumps; and an air energy recovery system to make the building 24 percent more efficient than a conventional building and yield approximately $78,000 per year in energy savings.  No permanent irrigation system is required for surrounding landscaping, as only indigenous and climate-appropriate vegitation has been used. A “green” housekeeping plan maintains a healthy environment inside the building.