URMC's Saunders Research Building bags LEED Gold
The Saunders Research Building of University of Rochester Medical Centre (URMC) in Rochester, New York, US has secured LEED Gold from the US Green Building Council.
The facility, which opened in April 2010, is the first building of the University to receive the certification. It houses URMC Clinical and Translational Science Institute, departments of community and preventive medicine and biostatistics and computational biology, and independent research programmes in varied fields.
The building has imbibed a host of eco-friendly elements which include a daylight harvesting system. The system allows maximum natural light exposure in the building, thereby reaping energy cost cuts. The facility also dons an open plan concept which optimizes sunlight penetration throughout the interior.
Energy consumption is further reduced with installation of sensor-controlled lighting fixtures which control light depending on occupancy and availability of natural light. Incorporation of a high-performance and heat-reflective roof add to the sustainability of the building.
