Wolfe Center for the Arts recognized for sustainability, design

BOWLING GREEN, O.—One of the most distinctive buildings on Bowling Green State University’s campus is now one of its greenest. The Wolfe Center for the Arts was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver status by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. This is BGSU’s second LEED-certified building. The Stroh Center received LEED Gold status earlier this year.

“It is a very significant accomplishment to have two LEED-certified buildings on campus,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey, BGSU president. “Students have told us that being environmentally conscious is one of their top priorities, and I’m pleased that commitment has carried over into our new buildings.”

LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The Wolfe Center for the Arts achieved certification for its optimized performance of heating and air conditioning; controllability of mechanical and lighting systems; vegetated open space adjacent to the building that is equal to the building footprint; use of highly reflective pavement; use of grid-source, renewable energy; use of recycled content products; construction waste management; water-efficient plumbing fixtures; use of low emission paint and carpet, and support of alternative transportation through bike racks.

“This was a unique project,” said Ryan Miller, BGSU project manager for the Wolfe Center. “That we were able to achieve LEED Silver is a testament to all the hard work put in by our design team as well as by the contractors involved.”

The building also recently won a Society of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Ohio 2012 Design Award in the Newly Completed Buildings category. The awards promote projects that have distinguished themselves through attention to high quality design, performance and commitment to AIA’s 10 principles of livable communities.

The Wolfe Center for the Arts opened in January 2012 and was designed by the international architectural firm Snøhetta. It provides a space for collaborative work and study between all the fine and performing arts as well as exceptional venues in which to see a wide range of performances.

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(Posted August 02, 2012 )