USF St. Petersburg Boasts LEED-Certified Science And Technology Building

The new Science and Technology Building at USF St. Petersburg has earned a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council for its energy-efficient design and construction by Creative Contractors of Clearwater.

The LEED-certified building, completed in February, has much to offer the community as well as students, says Josh Bomstein, vice president of Creative Contractors,

More than half of the materials used to build the facility were locally extracted and manufactured. Eighty-five percent of the waste generated by the building's construction was recycled rather than sent to the landfill, which is equal to 1,159 tons of waste. Crews used the tilt-wall method to erect its walls.

The 35,000-square-foot, two-story building, with a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, will save nearly $80,000 in energy costs due to its reflective and insulated roof and low-emissivity glass that decreases heat, thus lowering air conditioning in summer and heating costs in winter. In addition, water-efficient fixtures lower water usage by 50 percent, which translates to 94,000 gallons of water saved annually. Florida-friendly landscaping and reclaimed water help keep water usage to a minimum as well.

USF St. Petersburg's Harborwalk pedestrian mall unifies what was once a disjointed campus by providing a gathering place in front of a fountain donated by the Sembler family and ample open areas for recreation. Not only is the new mall conducive to walking and biking, but it is conveniently located to bus and trolley lines. Its garage offers preferred parking to energy-efficient vehicles.

The Science and Technology Building houses eight classrooms and 13 labs. Lecterns are equipped with smart monitors, and tiered classrooms can be reconfigured to meet the needs of occupants. The building will host classes for the College of Arts & Sciences and labs for marine science research.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Josh Bomstein, Creative Contractors