Mississippi State is the first university to have a LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) chapter house in the US. The 16,000 square foot Pi Beta Phi chapter house maximizes open space, uses indigenous landscaping and bicycle storage. Plumbing and air conditioning systems incorporate water-use reduction features. The use of insulation and window glazing also optimizes energy performance.
Specific design elements used in achieving LEED certification are renewable materials and recycled content in finishes, compact fluorescent lighting, and drought tolerant plants, which minimizes water needs and allows lush green landscaping without the need for irrigation.
“We are extremely proud of our new LEED-certified chapter house at Mississippi State,” said Eileen Grigutis, president of the Fraternity Housing Corporation. “Pi Beta Phi is committed to providing members a safe living environment for their new home.” The house will open its doors for members when they return to school in August.
“We are honored to be among the most elite of properties who have achieved LEED certification. By having third party verification through USGBC, we are confident we have delivered a home that is not only a good steward of the environment, but also provides a healthy atmosphere for future Pi Phi women,” Leah FitzGerald, Assoc AIA, LEED AP, board member of Fraternity Housing Corporation, who managed the project during construction said. “The added distinction of being the First LEED certified sorority in the United States, establishes us as a leader in sustainability, an achievement in which we are extremely proud.”
© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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