Setting Our Sights on Sustainability
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Dartmouth was famously green long before the current push for sustainable design made it the color of political correctness. But with the construction of Achtmeyer Hall, Raether Hall, and Pineau-Valencienne Hall, Tuck advances its commitment to environmental stewardship while providing top-notch residential and classroom facilities for students. In fact, Tuck and its architect and engineers embraced a slate of highperformance, energy-saving systems in the construction of the new buildings in pursuit of LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based rating system of building certification. Its purpose is to encourage building owners and professionals to minimize the harmful effects the built environment may have on the natural environment. The sustainable features of the new buildings include the extensive use of daylighting to trim energy costs. Large sections of glass facade bring natural light into rooms and corridors. In addition, the design takes advantage of the slope at the rear of the building to bring sunlight into the lower level of the complex. Highly efficient lighting fixtures, in conjunction with occupancy sensors in some locations, also help reduce energy usage. Another energy-efficient feature of the buildings is the hydronic heating and cooling system, which is quieter and produces less draft than a fan-based system. Coupled with 100-percent-outside-air ventilation units, the mechanical systems contribute to a high level of occupant comfort. Finally, low-flow plumbing fixtures in each of the 85 student rooms help conserve water, while outside two rain garden depressions on the site accommodate runoff from the building's roofs and help prevent erosion. Tuck occupied its new buildings in December 2008.
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