Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- The building addition to Justin Hall, home of the College of Human Ecology at Kansas State University, has been approved for the prestigious LEED -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- Gold certification by the U. S. Green Building Council, meeting stringent requirements for positive impact on the environment and the building's occupants.

The 13,000-square-foot Justin Hall expansion, designed by PGAV Architects in Kansas City and financed from private sources, was dedicated in September 2012 and includes two advanced stadium seat classrooms, collaboration space for students, conference rooms and offices.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a framework for identifying, implementing and measuring green building and neighborhood design, construction, operations and maintenance. The sustainable elements with the addition and its construction include decreased use of potable water, minimal construction waste, at least 20 percent recycled content of building materials and use of building materials that were extracted, harvested, recovered or manufactured within 500 miles of Manhattan.

"LEED Gold means we have succeeded in our goal to be as sustainable as possible," said John Buckwalter, dean of the College of Human Ecology. "Congratulations go to PGAV Architects, Hutton Construction and all those who were so diligent in making the space healthy for the environment and for those of us who work in it and for our students."

The Justin Hall addition is the third building on the university's Manhattan campus to earn LEED Gold certification, joining the School of Leadership Studies and the Food Services Building at the Jardine Apartment Complex. In addition, the International Animal Health and Food Safety Institute at Kansas State University Olathe earned LEED Silver certification. LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The rating system seeks to optimize use of natural resources, promote regenerative and restorative strategies, maximize the positive and minimize the negative environmental and human health impacts of the building industry.

"PGAV is especially pleased to have been an instrumental partner in helping Kansas State University and the College of Human Ecology achieve LEED Gold certification for the new Justin Hall expansion. Design for reduced environmental impact and energy conservation were central to our approach from day one and consistent with the college's mission of improving the human condition through the application of knowledge," said Mike Schaadt, principal at the architecture firm.

"The project represents a significant milestone in PGAV's ongoing commitment to sustainable design and visibly demonstrates Kansas State University's and the College of Human Ecology's commitment to embracing sustainable building practices," he said.