Barbara Fracisco Mertes Center for the Arts

LEED-- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Awarded Silver Certification (Summer 2011)

The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trusteesrequires that all new buildings in the district meet at least Silver Certification

• The Center for the Arts is one of the first and is the largest building on campus to meet these standards.
• LEED is an enhanced, innovative building code overseen by the US Green Building Council
• Education of students, community, and employees is an important part of LEED through displays, brochures, signs, website, presentations, tours, and course materials
• LEED standards must be verified by an independent auditor at completion and after 1 year.
• A certified LEED Consultant must be part of planning and construction

A full color brochure with pictures (pdf)

Energy

• Clean Energy comes from Solar Photovoltaic panels
• Central Utility Plant provides more efficient heating and cooling than a local HVAC system
• Fuel Efficient Vehicle parking has been designated
• Bike Racks - campus capacity has more than doubled
• Showers in Dressing Rooms for bike commuters
• White roofs, light pavement, green space, Photovoltaic parking structures minimize the "heat island effect"
• Lighting in the building is more efficient because of
  • Light sensors in offices
  • Natural light
  • Double paned windows with "low e" coatings

Livability

• Noise is reduced through soundproofing and by elimitating the local HVAC
• Fresh Air: 15% of circulated air must be outside air
• Low UV is healthy and reduces fading of materials
• Special floor mats to catch dust
• Views
• Green cleaning products
• Ventilated Janitor's closets

Materials & Resources

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood was used where possible
• Recycled materials for carpet
• Low VOC for carpets, paints, caulks, adhesives, etc.
• Local materials where possible
• Recycling construction waste
• Recycling - onsite consolidation area

Water

• "Bioretention Basins capture rainwater to prevent flooding and recharge aquifers
• Native Plants have been planted to reduce water use including: Jucus "Elk Blue", California Grey Rush and Carex Tumulicola, Berkeledy Sedge in the Bioretention Basins
• Reclaimed water is used for irrigation and flushing
• Waterless Urinals
• Automatic controls are installed for sinks and toilets
• Drip Irrigation

Light Pollution

• Shielded light fixtures
• Regulated minimum light output
• Minimize interior light spill
• CFL/Halogen where possible
• Carbon offsets will be purchased to offset special lighting/incandescent in the Theaters