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Sustainability

Franklin College Breaks Ground on Science Center

Published 6/2/2017

Franklin College broke ground in May of 2017 on a $17 million renovation and expansion of its science center in Franklin, Ind. Designed by BSA LifeStructures, the project will transform the existing 30,000-sf structure into a 51,000-sf building featuring flexible learning spaces that combine laboratory and lecture functions. Offering 16,000 sf of lab space, the completed center will provide nine collaborative learning spaces, 12 teaching labs, three research labs, multi-use classrooms, a teleconferencing suite, and student project areas.

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Innovative Engineering Buildings Offer Hands-On, Entrepreneurial Learning

Published 5/31/2017

Intense pressure to attract the smartest students and prepare them for tomorrow’s workforce is prompting engineering schools to provide a broad education with hands-on learning, an interdisciplinary curriculum, collaborative activities, and partnerships with local industries. The broader curriculum goes beyond the traditional engineering principles and practices by providing maker spaces to stimulate students’ creativity, critical-thinking ability, and problem-solving skills.

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Memorial Sloan Kettering and CUNY Build Cancer Care and Health Science Facility

Published 5/30/2017

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) and the City University of New York (CUNY) are developing a joint facility in New York City. MSK’s 23-story outpatient tower, the 750,000-gsf David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care, will feature advanced surgical suites, radiation therapy rooms, and dedicated space for clinical trials. CUNY’s six-story, 400,000-gsf (336,000-asf) Hunter College Science and Health Professions Building will provide sophisticated simulation training suites, teaching and research labs, a technology-rich library, faculty offices, and a vivarium.

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University of Florida Opens Chemistry Building

Published 5/29/2017

 The University of Florida opened the $67 million Joseph Hernandez Hall in Gainesville in April of 2017. Designed by Stantec to accommodate programs in chemistry and chemical biology, the five-story, 111,500-sf facility features a general chemistry lab capable of accommodating 256 students at one time, as well as graduate and faculty research labs, interactive undergraduate teaching labs, classrooms, offices, conference rooms, and core research facilities.

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Murray State University Opens Breathitt Veterinary Center

Published 5/26/2017

Murray State University opened the new Breathitt Veterinary Center in May of 2017 in Hopkinsville, Ky. Replacing the state’s existing animal health lab, the $33 million facility features a BSL-3 suite, an expanded necropsy area, technology-rich classrooms, and collaborative research space. The 77,000-sf center provides 53,000 sf of dedicated diagnostic facilities and features an advanced HVAC system to enhance biosecurity throughout the building. Ground was broken in September of 2014 on the sustainably designed project, which is expected to attain LEED Silver.

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Boston University Breaks Ground on Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering

Published 5/25/2017

Boston University broke ground in May of 2015 on the $150 million Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering (CILSE). Designed by Payette, the nine-story, 170,000-sf facility will support interdisciplinary research on synthetic biology, systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroimaging, and biological design. The project will exceed Boston University’s base energy efficiency code by 30 percent and will have building systems and utilities located on the second and third floors to ensure continuing operations in the event of a flood.

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Lafayette College Breaks Ground on Rockwell Integrated Science Center

Published 5/25/2017

Lafayette College broke ground in May of 2017 on the $75 million Rockwell Integrated Science Center in Easton, Pa. Housing the departments of biology, computer science, and environmental studies, the five-story, 102,000-sf facility will feature an entrepreneurship incubator as well as accommodating programs in engineering and neuroscience. The design architect for the project is Payette and the project manager is Aegis Property Group.

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Westfield State University Opens Stevens Science and Innovation Center

Published 5/24/2017

Westfield State University opened the Dr. Nettie M. Stevens Science and Innovation Center in May of 2017 in Westfield, Mass. Designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, the $48 million facility features a technology-rich interdisciplinary classroom, medical simulation suites, teaching and research labs, and study spaces. Accommodating programs in biology, chemistry, physics, nursing, and allied health, the 54,472-sf center includes a tissue culture suite, growth chambers, and environmental control rooms.

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Toyota Opens R&D Purchasing and Prototype Development Center

Published 5/18/2017

Toyota Motor Corp. opened the $154 million North American R&D Purchasing and Prototype Development Center in May of 2017 in York Township, Mich. Representing an expansion of the Toyota Technical Center, the project provides a vehicle prototype development facility, a distribution hub, and an addition to the existing powertrain research center. LEED Platinum sustainable design certification is being sought for the facility, which features a highly efficient building envelope, LED lighting, and low-flow water fixtures. Ground was broken on the project in June of 2015.

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Vanderbilt University Breaks Ground on School of Nursing Expansion

Published 5/13/2017

Vanderbilt University will break ground in late spring of 2017 on a $23.6 million expansion of the School of Nursing in Nashville. Designed by Hastings Architecture Associates, the five-story, 30,000-sf addition will provide classrooms, conference and seminar rooms, faculty and administrative offices, and a simulation training lab. The facility will also feature virtual classrooms to support distance learning programs and technology-enhanced instructional spaces to promote interaction and collaboration.

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Dell Seton Medical Center Opens in Austin

Published 5/11/2017

The $295 million Dell Seton Medical Center opened in May of 2017 in Austin, Texas. Designed by HKS and built by JE Dunn, the 517,000-sf teaching hospital accommodates training programs for the University of Texas Dell Medical School and features 13 technology-rich operating rooms and a telemedicine monitoring suite. LEED sustainable design certification will be sought for the 211-bed facility, which is owned and operated by Seton Healthcare Family, a subsidiary of Ascension Health.

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Using Geothermal Exchange Systems to Achieve Zero Net Energy in Cold Climates

Published 5/10/2017

Geothermal heating and cooling exchange systems are proving to be a leading technology for achieving zero net energy consumption in cold climates. Geoexchange systems (also known as “geothermal heat pumps”) reduce energy consumption by using the earth to store heat and greatly improve HVAC efficiency. Using a network of closed-loop tubes buried deep underground, geoexchange systems require extensive planning, soil testing, and proper load design to function as intended, especially in energy-intensive lab environments. But when used with other strategies, they can play a significant role in reducing a facility’s HVAC-related energy use and carbon footprint.

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Ford Motor Company Expands and Renovates Michigan Facilities

Published 4/26/2017

Ford Motor Company is expanding and renovating its research and manufacturing facilities in Michigan. Construction will begin in mid-2017 on a $200 million data center in Romeo. In 2018, a truck and SUV production facility in Wayne will be retooled at a cost of $850 million. Ford will also invest $150 million to expand its Wayne engine manufacturing plant. 

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