Columbia University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Columbia University’s environmentally sustainable design and overall project plan for its 17-acre Manhattanville campus in West Harlem earned LEED® Platinum under the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system- its highest designation and the first LEED-ND Platinum certification in New York City, as well as the first Platinum certification for a university campus plan nationally in May 2012. The LEED-ND rating system promotes smart location and design of neighborhoods that reduce vehicle miles traveled, and communities where jobs and services are accessible by foot or public transit. In 2007, the U.S. Green Building Council selected Columbia University's Manhattanville expansion plan for a new "smart growth" pilot program. The plan was selected by USGBC because it commits to incorporating smart growth, new urbanism and green design principles. Additional strengths of the Manhattanville campus plan includes proximity to mass transit; planned mixed uses including arts, community, academic, retail and residential; open neighborhood access; green open space; pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks; and a commitment to best practices in clean, low-emission construction. Before construction began, Columbia collaborated with the Environmental Defense Fund to ensure that all work applies the latest air pollution controls. Adhering to stringent environmental compliance requirements and the most advanced clean construction techniques, the University took steps to sharply reduce noise and vibrations, and traffic and business disruptions. Low-emission equipment and washing stations for trucks departing work sites limits the impact of construction on neighborhood air quality. During demolition and abatement phases, more than 90% of removed materials have and will be salvaged and recycled. The Manhattanville campus consists primarily of the four large blocks from 129th to 133rd Streets between Broadway and 12th Avenue including the north side of 125th Street, as well as three properties on the east side of Broadway from 131st to 134th Streets. The plan includes more than 6.8 million square feet of space for teaching, research, underground parking, and support services. It features new facilities for civic, cultural, recreational, and commercial activity. Its improved, pedestrian-friendly streets and new publicly accessible open spaces will reconnect West Harlem to the new Hudson River waterfront park Additional URL: http://neighbors.columbia.edu/pages/manplanning/index.html