Sustainability Initiatives

Sea Gull Square

• SU achieved LEED Silver certification for this facility.
• The building was constructed in a pre-developed area, limiting sprawl, and is located close to two bus lines, SU and Shore Transit, encouraging the use of public transportation.
• Parking capacity on site does not exceed that required by governing codes.
• Encouraging building occupants to cycle instead of drive, and in addition to the showers in each apartment, the building has a shower available to all building staff. There is a secured storage room for 94 bicycles.
• Parking spaces close to the building are reserved for low-emitting and hybrid vehicles.

• The rate and quantity of storm water is controlled to minimize impact on the main sewer system and limit the disruption and pollution of natural water flows by managing storm water runoff.The roof color was selected to reduce the heat island effect.
• Significant hardscaped areas were returned to grass and softscape surfaces.
• Water use is reduced 30 percent below industry standards, thus lessening the burden on the municipal water supply and wastewater systems.
• Energy-reducing motion and sound sensors to control lighting are used in each apartment bathroom.
• Energy-efficient glass is used throughout the building.
• Enhanced Building Systems Commissioning is used to verify and ensure that fundamental building elements and systems are designed, installed and calibrated as intended.
• A minimum level of energy efficiency has been established for all building systems.
• Enhanced CFC reduction in HVAC and refrigerant equipment are used to reduce ozone depletion.
• Energy performance is increased by 14 percent above industry standards, to reduce environmental impacts associated with excessive energy use.In dealing with construction waste, 75 percent of the construction, demolition and land-clearing debris was diverted from landfill disposal. Recyclable recovered resources were returned to the manufacturing process and reusable materials were directed to appropriate sites.
• The building was made from at least 10 percent post-consumer and one-half post-industrial recycled materials; increasing the demand for building products that incorporate recycled content, thus reducing the impacts resulting from extraction and processing of new virgin materials.
• At least 10 percent of the building materials were manufactured regionally, thereby supporting the regional economy and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from transportation.
• Efforts have been made to prevent exposure of building occupants and systems to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring systems are utilized to help sustain long-term occupant health and safety.
• Both during and after the building's construction, efforts are made to prevent indoor air quality problems resulting from the construction/renovation process in order to help sustain the comfort and well being of construction workers and building occupants.
• Contractors used low-emitting materials (e.g., wood, carpet, paint and sealants) to reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, potentially irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well being of installers and occupants.
• The building contains an active environmental education program, incorporating signage and outreach with a focus on sustainable living.
• Housekeeping is performed in accordance with Green Housekeeping Practices.