Skidmore College
OP-4: Building Design and Construction

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (Our Common Future, 1987, World Commission on Environment and Development) The Issue. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, humanity’s use of natural resources has exceed the regenerative capacity of the earth since the 1980’s. In 1961, human demand was about 70 percent of the earth’s regenerative capacity. By the 1980’s, demand had exceeded supply by at least 20 percent. Currently, it is estimated that it takes over fifteen months to renew what humanity uses in twelve. Skidmore’s Commitment: The college community knows that the imbalance described above cannot continue. It recognizes that it exists as one of many interconnected communities and that all are affected by personal and institutional choices. Goal #3 of the College’s strategic plan, calls to “Develop, broaden, and deepen the College's connections to the local community; enhance our ability to function as a socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizen.” Accordingly, it expresses a commitment to “Make the Skidmore campus an environmental laboratory, increase our emphasis on responsible planning for environmentally sustainable operation, and continue efforts to reduce the College's "environmental footprint." Promote a campus intellectual climate that supports these goals.” Current Programs: Skidmore College has been concentrating on issues such as waste reduction, recycling, environmentally-preferable purchasing and energy conservation. In recent construction, the college has focused on sustainable site locations, water efficiency, energy renewal and conservation, indoor air quality, indigenous and low maintenance landscapes and sustainably harvested or recycled materials. Each of these issues can be a learning experience and students are eager to participate. Programs to Consider: In looking to expand sustainability, the college must strive to find a balance between sound fiscal practices and environmental responsibility. For construction, the college should endeavor to design new buildings and renewing existing buildings to meet standards set by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The college should also consider monitoring other emerging national and international organizations, initiatives and standards, and their short and long term effects on campus. In facilities operations, the college should consider alternative energy sources such as wind, geothermal and photovoltaics. It should document and monitor its carbon balance. Creative thought may matter more here than any other issue the college faces. As a leader in its community, as a center of learning and scholarship, and as an institution with a very long time horizon, Skidmore has a responsibility to endeavor to do everything within its means to foster sustainability.

General standards are outlined in the 2007 Campus Plan that prioritize a focus on the categories above. Specific project features are determined during the design phase for each individual project. The following buildings constructed in the last five years met the outlined criteria: Northwoods Extention: 10 Whitman Way, Northwoods Extention: 12 Whitman Way Northwoods Extention: 14 Whitman Way, Hillside Apartment: Building A, Hillside Apartment: Building B, Sussman Village: Building F, Sussman Village: Building G, Sussman Village: Building H, Sussman Village: Building I, Sussman Village: Building J, Sussman Village: Building K, Sussman Village: Building L.

Capital Projects, Facilities and Sustainability departments work in conjunction to guarantee green compliance.

Many of the College’s newly constructed buildings were built to LEED standards, but the College has not sought LEED certification. Instead, Skidmore allocated the funding that would have been used to certify the building toward additional sustainable building features. The Zankel Music Center utilizes geothermal heating and cooling energy, low-flow water fixtures, a heat recovery wheel, natural lighting, LED stage lighting, energy efficient lighting and windows, occupancy sensors, and the building is highly insulated for sound and energy efficiency. Northwoods Village Apartments is built on a former "brown" site. The buildings utilize sustainably harvested wood for trim, recycled material for the roofs, doors, and building frames, and low-emitting materials in paints, carpets, and adhesives. The buildings were designed to utilize daylight and all lighting fixtures in the complex use high-efficiency compact fluorescent light bulbs. Murray-Aikins Dining Hall was renovated in 2006. The dining hall is heated and cooled with geothermal energy. The building features energy efficient lights and windows, low-flow water fixtures, and a trayless dining program to minimize food waste. Sussman Village Apartments: The buildings in the Sussman Apartment Village exceed state minimum R-values and were built with recycled-content materials. On-site stone material was repurposed for retaining walls, and waste materials were reused for roadway foundations. Village walking paths are made with pervious pavement, and a rain garden was built to capture and filter stormwater. The College is currently raising funds for a new Center for Integrated Sciences building. The building is designed to meet LEED standards (Silver at a minimum), and these ~100,000 sq. ft. will be certified. The following buildings were designed and constructed in accordance with green building guidelines and policies, but were not LEED certified: 1. Zankel Music Center 2. Northwoods Apartment Buildings 10, 12, and 14 3. Murray-Aikins Dining Hall 4. Sussman Apartment Buildings A, B, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L