Green Building
Western is taking steps to improve the performance of our buildings. Buildings are generally the largest user of energy and the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions on campuses. Buildings also use significant amounts of potable water.
Institutions can design, build, and maintain buildings in ways that provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for inhabitants while simultaneously mitigating the building's impact on the outdoor environment.
LEED
In February 2009, Western adopted a Sustainable Facilities procedure for building and renovations. LEED Silver certification must be met for all new projects.
The Lunda Center was designed and built to incorporate LEED silver standard aspects.
Local and Recycled Materials – a significant portion of the materials used within the plaza were created from recycled materials or quarried within 250 Miles or less of La Crosse.
Projects
The Angelo Dam Project will retrofit the dam with a turbine to produce electricity for the Sparta Campus of Western.
Cashton Greens Business Park Partnership—possible use of wind turbine energy and/or for instruction.
Highlights
High output, low energy lighting installed in remodeled areas.
During remodeling, air handling systems and HVAC systems are upgraded to more efficient models.
With computerized HVAC controls, Western is able to control and manage the HVAC systems to be much more efficient. Smart buildings require less energy to operate.
News
- Western events celebrate Earth Week
- Lunda Center LEED silver certified
- Sparta Training Center addition
- Western becomes charter participant in nation's first campus-wide sustainability program
- New Western security vehicle sparks interest
- Western Technical College president commits to 'climate neutral' campus
