University of Maryland

The Kendall Academic Center – the University System of Maryland’s first LEED Gold building – accommodates evolving technologies and ensures maximum flexibility for the future. A library resource center with five-story atrium is a key feature of the 195,000 sf facility, which also houses 45 classrooms, over 120 offices, dining service with full kitchen, and central plants for heating and cooling. A noteworthy model of resource conservation, the project incorporates far-ranging operational cost-saving initiatives. In addition to building envelope performance that exceeds ASHRAE requirements, high-efficiency equipment – chillers, boilers, electric motors, variable frequency drives, and domestic water heaters – reduces overall energy consumption.

HVAC systems utilize demand ventilation to reduce energy consumption during periods of low occupancy or to signal shutdown when vacant. Natural lighting of 75% of interior spaces minimizes lighting energy consumption. A green roofing system on lower roof areas reduces heating and cooling costs as well as stormwater runoff. The use of advanced water-efficient technologies earned Kendall Academic Center four of the five maximum LEED credits. Energy cost reduction measures alone achieve savings 25% below LEED baseline models, and the project earns an extra innovation point for achieving savings 44% below LEED baseline models for potable water use.

• Campus is served by commuter bus lines
• Bicycle storage and on-site shower facilities encourage alternative transportation
• Paved parking limited to minimum zoning requirements reduces water runoff and site disturbance
• Stacking of building program minimizes building footprint and site disturbance
• Highly reflective roofing materials and vegetated green roof reduce heat-island effect

• 40% of building materials are regionally manufactured, exceeding LEED standards
• Green building user education program educates public about sustainable design
• Green operations and maintenance plan preserves indoor environmental quality
• Potable water usage reduced by 44%, exceeding LEED standards

• East-west orientation of building wings minimizes heat gain and maximizes southern exposure
• 75% of all occupied spaces have access to natural daylight
• Carbon dioxide monitoring system provides feedback on ventilation performance
• Indoor air quality management plan, no-smoking policy, and low-VOC paints, carpets, composites, adhesives, and sealants preserve indoor air quality

• Dedicated storage and collection area provided for recyclable materials
• 75% of collected construction waste was recycled or reused
• Structural steel incorporates high recycled content
• 40% of building materials are manufactured regionally
• 50% of all wood-based materials are Forest Stewardship Council certified

• Building systems commissioning verifies implementation and performance
• HCFC-free and halon-free refrigeration and fire suppression equipment prevent ozone depletion
• Two-year green-power contract proposed with renewable energy company provides 50% of electricity
• Low-E coated glass reduces energy costs

• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures such as waterless urinals and low-flow faucets and toilets reduce potable water usage 44% below baseline models
• Elimination of permanent site irrigation system reduces potable water usage
• Hardy and/or native vegetation minimizes irrigation requirements
• Vegetated green roofing system reduces stormwater runoff by 25%

• Technology-enhanced classrooms, administrative, faculty and support offices, bookstore, food service, and lounges
• Learning Resource Center lin the classroom wing functions as building “hub,” with an atrium accessible to vegetated roof gardens