Syracuse University’s Dineen Hall is on track to receive an honor in sustainability — LEED Gold certification.

LEED, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is an honor awarded by the United States Green Building Council. Dineen, which houses SU’s College of Law, has state-of-the-art facilities featuring sustainable technologies, according to an article from Inhabit.

The Gluckman Tang architects, who designed the building, included a green roof courtyard, water efficient landscaping, energy efficient heating and air conditioning and low-emitting materials to complement the interior design, according to the article.

Dineen’s courtyard provides additional natural light and the water efficient landscape reduces the use of water, according to the article.

Mark Hance, senior project manager for Dineen Hall, said SU intends to have all buildings and projects that cost more than $2 million to be LEED certified. LEED certified buildings are more energy efficient, as they undergo a thoughtful design process, Hance said.

To qualify for LEED certification, a building receives points on a silver, gold and platinum rating scale, Hance said.

Dineen Hall accommodates alternative methods of transportation and received points for site selection, as it is located close to bus lines, making students and faculty less reliant on automobiles, Hance said. The facility also offers bike racks and a shower and locker facility for those who bike to school or work.

LEED buildings are more energy efficient and comfortable than non-LEED buildings, Hance said. During the construction of Dineen Hall, there was low volatile organic compound content emitted into the air, making for better indoor air quality, he said. VOCs are found in paint, adhesives and other harmful materials usually used in the construction of buildings.

The building, which opened last fall, was designed with sustainability in mind, Hance said. A big element the SU College of Law requested of the architects was to get natural light into the building, he added.

“People seem to be happier having natural light rather than the artificial light in old academic buildings with no natural light,” Hance said. “Every classroom and office in Dineen Hall has natural light — a big plus for faculty and students.”

Published on December 8, 2015 at 9:56 pm

Contact Rachel: rgreen@syr.edu