OSU Facility is First Gold Certified Academic Engineering Building

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Kelley Engineering Center at Oregon State University is the first academic engineering building in the United States to receive LEED gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The $45 million, four-story center opened in fall 2005. The building is designed to have a minimized environmental footprint.

The 153,000-square-foot structure is home to the university’s school of electrical engineering and design, and it provides a research laboratory, classrooms and office space for more than 450 people.

The materials used for the building were selected to maximize indoor air quality. Ceiling wheat board and foam insulation do not contain formaldehyde. Odor-free asphalt products and zero- or low-VOC paints, adhesives and sealants are used throughout the building.

In addition, all steel, metal studs, gypsum board, upholstery, ceiling tile and concrete have recycled content, and there are walk-off mats at the entry of the building to help prevent pollutants from entering the building.

About 372,000 gallons of water will be saved each year by using reclaimed rainwater in toilets and urinals, according to planners. Photovoltaic and solar panels will reduce electricity consumption, and a portion of the building’s electricity will come from renewable wind, solar and biomass sources. A solarium at the building will increase natural lighting and is expected to improve ventilation.

Yost Grube Hall Architecture, a Portland-based firm that specializes in environmentally sustainable architecture, interior design and planning, designed the building. Skanksa USA Building Inc. was the general contractor for the project.