Segal Visitors Center
Green Building Profile
The Segal Visitors Center, which opened its doors in 2014, is the first stop on campus for prospective students and their parents. The stone and glass building is positioned with a magnificent view of Lake Michigan and features an auditorium, an Alumni Hall, as well as a parking garage with space for over 400 vehicles. The first two floors house meeting rooms, offices for admissions staff, and a reception area where campus tours are coordinated. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification was granted in 2017 for the first two stories of the Segal Visitors Center, which spans 16,875 square feet.
Green Building Highlights
The LEED Certification process used for the project (Commercial Interiors v2009) is based on a scale of 108 points. For Silver certification, a minimum of 50 points must be awarded. The Segal Visitors Center project was awarded 57 points. Notable features include the following:
- Sustainable sites: The building is accessible through public transportation with proximity to bus stops and pedestrian access.
- Water efficiency: Potable water use in the building was reduced by 36%.
- Energy and atmosphere: Lighting was reduced by 27%, with 85% of lighting controlled via occupancy sensors.
- Materials and resources: About 87 percent of construction waste was diverted from the landfill over the course of the project.
- Indoor environmental quality: Low-emitting sealants and adhesives were used throughout the project to meet VOC regulations.
Green Building Features
Sustainable sites — 14 out of 21 possible points
The Segal Visitors Center is accessible through public transportation, with less than a quarter-mile walk to bus stops and campus shuttles. The project also met the community connectivity criteria, with its proximity to residential neighborhoods and community services.
Water efficiency — 8 out of 11 possible points
Potable water use was reduced by 36 % from the initial design. The reductions were achieved with the installation of sensor-operated sinks that reduce water flow time and, the toilets have a flow rate lower than standard toilets.
Energy and atmosphere — 14 out of 37 possible points
Task lighting was added in the majority of office spaces, contributing to a 27 percent reduction in connected lighting power. Occupancy sensors were installed in 85 percent of spaces, allowing lights to turn off automatically when no one is in the room. The university purchased renewable energy certificates for 12.4 kWh per square foot of electricity used in the space.
Materials and resources — 8 out of 14 possible points
Throughout the construction of the Segal Visitors Center, 86 percent of waste was diverted from the landfill, reducing its environmental impact. The project also reduced its impact through its use of green materials. About 25 percent of the building materials were composed of recycled content, and over 98 percent of the wood materials used were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. As for regional material use, approximately 42 percent of materials used in the construction were fabricated within 500 miles of project site.
Indoor environmental quality — 9 out of 17 possible points
Smoking regulations and carbon dioxide monitors were implemented to enhance visitors’ comfort and safety. Low-emitting materials were used in flooring, paints, and wood to maximize user comfort, health, and safety. Occupants can adjust temperature to meet desired set points.
Other credits — 4 points
The project earned additional points through exemplary achievement in regional material use and site selection. Another point was earned for having a LEED Accredited Professional on the project.