Ryan Center for the Musical Arts
Green Building Profile
Construction on Northwestern University’s Ryan Center for the Musical Arts began in June of
2012 and was completed in the summer of 2014. Built to accommodate both the Bienen School
of Music and the School of Communication, the building’s innovative use of energy efficient
technology and its environmentally-minded design earned it a Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The faculty offices, classrooms, teaching labs,
studios, practice rooms, and student lounges were designed to meet high environmental
standards. Features such as a double-skin glass technology that improves energy efficiency
and a gray-water system to encourage water efficiency are only some of the green building
practices used to reduce the center’s environmental footprint.
Green Building Highlights
The LEED New Construction v2.2 certification system used for this buildings based on a scale
of 69 points. For Gold certification, a minimum of 39 points is required. Ryan Center for the
Musical Arts was awarded 42 points. Notable features include the following:
- Sustainable sites: Building occupants have access to several community services,
public transportation, bicycle storage, showers and changing facilities. - Water efficiency: Reduced the total water required for irrigation by half, and has eliminated
the use of potable water for sewage conveyance. - Energy and atmosphere: Achieved an energy savings of 37 percent (compared to ASHRAE standards) through the installation of state-of-the-art mechanical and lighting systems.
- Materials and resources: The project diverted 85 percent of the construction waste generated from the landfill.
- Indoor environmental quality: During and after construction, the project implemented
an air quality management plan to ensure a comfortable and safe environment was
provided for building occupants.
Green Building Features
Sustainable sites — 8 out of 14 possible points
The Ryan Center earned many of its sustainable site credits for its location. The building
is located within half a mile of at least ten community services such as banks and libraries, and
one quarter mile of at least three bus services, including campus shuttles and public transportation.
The building is also accommodating to those who utilize environmentally friendly modes of
transportation. Bike storage, changing facilities, and showers are also provided for those who
travel by bicycle. Additionally, there is a 20 percent parking discount available for those who
commute to the building using low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Over half of the site hardscape and a majority of the roof have been paved with highly reflective
materials that work to combat the urban heat island effect.
Water efficiency – 5 out of 5 possible points
The Ryan Center received all possible credits for its outstanding water efficiency. Water saving
features include high efficiency, low consumption plumbing fixtures and captured groundwater is
used as a non-potable source for flush fixtures and irrigation. The total water savings is 49 percent compared to the standard set by the EPA Act of 1992.
Energy and atmosphere – 8 out of 17 possible points
The Ryan Center for the Musical Arts achieved over 36 percent in energy cost savings from efficient windows, demand control ventilation, energy efficient lighting systems, occupancy sensors, and efficient cooling systems that use chilled beams. In addition, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system uses an existing campus-wide district chilled water system that eliminated the need for new refrigeration equipment. Additionally, 35 percent of the project's energy consumption was supplied by renewable energy from green power purchases.
Material and resources – 7 out of 13 possible points
During construction, over 85 percent of waste generated on the site was diverted from the
landfill, and building occupants continue to divert waste from the landfill with dedicated areas for
the collection and storage of recyclable materials. 30 percent of the materials used to construct
the building were manufactured using recycled materials, and 43 percent of building materials
were produced within 500 miles of the project site.
Indoor environmental quality – 10 out of 15 possible points
The building has a ventilation, filtration, and carbon dioxide monitoring system that improves
both its indoor and outdoor air quality. The project team implemented a plan to manage indoor
air quality to filter any harmful toxins that may have come from the construction site while the
building was under construction. The building also employs low-emitting materials that reduce
the output of harmful pollutants, including low-emitting adhesives and sealants, indoor paints
and coatings, carpets (without cushions or adhesives), and wood and agrifiber products.
Other credits – 4 points
The Ryan Center for the Musical Arts received several additional LEED credits for exemplary
performance. The building stands out by maximizing open space for its occupants, reducing
water use by 90 percent, and using 30 percent recycled-content materials during construction. Additionally, the building received credit for having a LEED Accredited Professional on the
project team.
Download the Green Building Profile here.
Architect, Engineers, Contractor
Architect: Goettsch Partners
Engineer: Cosentini Associates
Contractor: Power Construction