BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — Florida Atlantic University is boasting its latest accomplishment — official “Green” certification for its new dining hall. Unfortunately, students likely won’t be enjoying the environmentally friendly facility, as it’s the “Faculty and Staff Club and Dining Hall.” In other words: paid staff, not paying students. Here’s the Eco-Friendly announcement from FAU:
The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)® Platinum certification to Florida Atlantic University’s Faculty and Staff Club and Dining Hall located in the College of Engineering and Computer Science building. This space includes University Faculty & Staff Club, the Atrium and Atrium Patio, and The DiVinci Room. Designed by Emilio Lebolo III, vice president of Gallo Herbert Lebolo and constructed by James A. Cummings, Inc., this is the first Platinum-Level LEED Certified Commercial Interior project in Florida and the 10th Platinum certified project in Florida overall.
“FAU’s newest LEED certified project demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and FAU serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”
LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The certification was based on a number of green design and construction features — including site selection, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environment, and innovation and design — that positively impact the project itself and the broader community.
“FAU Dining Services has always been committed to sustainability, from tray-less dining and food waste reduction education to cage-free eggs and ocean-friendly seafood,” said Stacy Volnick, assistant vice president for financial affairs and University business services at FAU. “Achieving this LEED certification just takes our commitment to the environment to an even higher level. This is a beautiful space and making it available to the community for rentals will showcase a truly eco-friendly facility.”
In 2009, the American School and University Magazine awarded the dining facilities “Outstanding Design: Work in Progress for the 2009 Architectural Portfolio.” The space was designed to reflect the natural elements through architecture.
FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science building received LEED Platinum certification in August 2011 and was the first academic building in southeast Florida to achieve this status. Other FAU LEED certified buildings include the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Davie West and Pine Jog Environmental Education Center.
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