Sustainable design and construction strategies implemented on the new Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) science building, according to a release from the university, included the following:

 

• Vegetated open space has been preserved and designed to complement the surrounding campus. Along with fewer parking spaces and pervious concrete pavement, this aligns with MTSU’s rainwater management plan.

 

• Several mature trees were preserved, and native drought-tolerant species were added during construction. This reduces the need for extended irrigation and provides shade for outdoor activities.

 

• High-efficiency plumbing fixtures were installed, resulting in a projected reduction in potable water use of more than 33 percent below basic code requirements.

 

• During construction, almost 93 percent of on-site generated waste was diverted from the landfill. Continuing this trend during occupancy, recycling containers have been placed throughout the science building in line with a campus-wide initiative.

 

• More than 20 percent of the materials used in the construction of the facility contain recycled content. More than 25 percent of materials and products were extracted, harvested, recovered or manufactured within 500 miles of MTSU.

 

• Indoor air quality was managed during construction according to a project-specific management plan. Materials such as paints, sealants, flooring, and composite wood products used indoors were selected to reduce or eliminate the release of noxious fumes after installation.

 

• The building maximizes outdoor views and natural daylight. The building’s orientation provides less solar exposure on the east and west than on the north and south, which helps manage unwanted solar heat gain.

 

 

PHOTO: Students pass by the new $147 million science building during the official opening of the building on Wednesday.

CREDIT: HELEN COMER/DNJ