University of North Carolina, Greensboro
OP-4: Building Design and Construction

The primary green building rating system that the university utilizes is LEED® for New Construction and Major Renovations. The 2009 strategic plan mandates all new major projects meet LEED Silver standards. List of CERTIFIED Buildings: 1. Academic Classroom and Office Bldg. – Certified LEED Gold 2011 2. Jefferson Suites Residence Hall – Certified LEED Silver in 2013 3. Quad Housing Project – Certified LEED Gold in 2013 4. Campus Police Building - Certified LEED Silver in 2015 5. Spartan Village Student Housing- PH 1 - Certified LEED Silver in 2015 6. Leonard J Kaplan Center for Wellness (Student Rec. Ctr.) - Certified LEED Gold in 2017 List of REGISTERED Buildings: 7. Spartan Village Student Housing – PH. 2 (Construction COMPLETE – LEED Certification PENDING). 8. Moran Commons/Dining Hall Renovation (Construction COMPLETE – LEED Certification PENDING). 9. Nursing and Instructional Building - (UNDER CONSTRUCTION - pursuing Silver)

UNCG’s Facilities Design and Construction department maintains an updated set of guidelines to assist architects and engineers when working on new construction and major renovation projects on campus. These included university specific systems that are required to maintain operation and functionality on the campus, as well as, best practices from projects completed on the campus over the last twenty-plus years. The guidelines have recently been updated (February 2018) to include items related to sustainability such as reduced maintenance, material and equipment selections, and reducing both energy and water consumption.

UNCG’s Facilities Design and Construction department maintains an updated set of guidelines to assist architects and engineers when working on new construction and major renovation projects on campus. These included university specific systems that are required to maintain operation and functionality on the campus, as well as, best practices from projects completed on the campus over the last twenty-plus years. The guidelines have recently been updated (February 2018) to include items related to sustainability such as reduced maintenance, material and equipment selections, and reducing both energy and water consumption

The State of North Carolina by general statute 143-135.35-40, Performance Standards for Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Public Buildings. "The main objectives of sustainable, energy-efficient design are to avoid resource depletion of energy, water, and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their life cycle; and create buildings that are livable, comfortable, safe, and productive. It is the intent of the General Assembly that State-owned buildings and buildings of The University of North Carolina and the North Carolina Community College System be improved by establishing specific performance standards for sustainable, energy-efficient public buildings. These performance standards should be based upon recognized, consensus standards that are supported by science and have a demonstrated performance record." All new buildings and major renovations must comply with standards established by NC Session Law 2008-203. These established a new Sustainable, Energy Efficient Buildings Program, with specific energy and water efficiency requirements for major new and renovated State-funded facilities. These requirements have been incorporated into State construction requirements (https://files.nc.gov/ncdoa/documents/files/EEREPORT.pdf). Per North Carolina General Statute projects are reviewed for compliance to GS 143-135.37. Buildings are commissioned to ensure that the building is performed at design. At the end of 12-months, an analysis of the building’s water and utility usage is compared to the designer calculated energy use. If the energy use is over the designed usage by 15%, the designer must correct overage until the actual performance falls within the 15% threshold. The State Sustainability Policy also includes a section on new construction: "Design and Construction: Capital project planning and construction processes shall meet statutory energy and water efficiency requirements and deliver energy, water, and materials efficient to buildings and grounds that minimize the impact on and/or enhance the site and provide good indoor environmental quality for occupants." UNCG’s Design and Construction Guidelines, General Design Standards, state: “Designers shall consider long-term durability and maintainability when selecting and specifying materials and equipment. Life cycle cost including installation, maintenance, and disposal will be considered in the selection of building systems and equipment. The designer must develop life cycle cost studies and present the information for review by the University to assist with the selection of materials and equipment on major renovation and new construction projects.” These guidelines complement the state mandates (http://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/index.php?pg=vs&id=5606). All designers are required to design new and renovated buildings in accordance with these guidelines. The professional design staff at UNCG reviews the design documents and monitors the construction to ensure all guidelines and policies are followed. Either the design consultant or a member of the FDC staff submits the templates to USGBC for certification on those projects seeking LEED certification. UNCG has 5 LEED AP’s and 1 LEED Green Associate on staff.

Information for this credit was received from Ken Pearce, Director, Facilities Design and Construction at UNCG. See also: Sustainable Energy Efficient Buildings report from the North Carolina State Construction Office: http://www.nc-sco.com/documents/guidelines/EEREPORT.pdf