Lynn University’s Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall received LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. It provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
USGBC awards certifications based on points applicants earn across several categories. Perper Residence Hall earned LEED Silver for:
- Water efficiency: The campus taps into an IRIS Loop, a non-potable water source, which allows it to use reclaimed (recycled) water for the irrigation system. Additionally, water efficient faucets, toilets and showerheads utilize 40.34 percent less water than similar buildings.
- Sustainable site: Forty-four percent of the site is dedicated to vegetated open space, an exemplary accomplishment, according to LEED rating systems. It is also made up of drought-tolerant native plants, including sabal palms, a thatch palm and a live oak tree in the courtyard.
- Energy and atmosphere: The building uses 33.77 percent less energy than a code-compliant baseline.
- Indoor environmental quality: Low-emitting paints, adhesives and flooring products provide enhanced indoor air quality. All installed carpet is certified by the CRI Green Label Plus program. Additionally, over 90 percent of indoor spaces have a nature view.
- Materials and resources: Over 20 percent of project materials are composed of recycled content, and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled. In addition, more than 50 percent of the structure’s wood was harvested from a responsibly managed forest.
Designed by Gensler, the residence hall includes loft-style apartments for 170 students, as well as a courtyard, two patios, a fire pit and grills. A community space has a TV lounge, collaboration room and full kitchen where students can relax, study and socialize together.
Perper Residence Hall opened in August 2017 and was the 11th campus project funded by Mary Perper and her late husband Harold.
