The De Anza College Media & Learning Center stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to sustainability, achieving LEED Platinum certification. This state-of-the-art facility, completed in 2013, showcases a range of innovative green building strategies, setting a high bar for educational institutions nationwide.
De Anza Learning Center’s Sustainable Design
The 67,000-square-foot De Anza Learning Center, designed by Ratcliff Architects, incorporates a multitude of sustainable features, resulting in significant energy savings and a healthy indoor environment. Key elements of the center’s sustainable design include:
Optimized Building Orientation and Layout
The building’s orientation maximizes energy efficiency and utilizes passive solar benefits. This strategic design minimizes reliance on artificial lighting and heating, reducing the building’s overall energy footprint.
Renewable Energy Sources
Rooftop photovoltaic panels and hot water panels harness renewable energy sources, further reducing the center’s dependence on conventional energy. These features contribute to significant cost savings and minimize environmental impact.
Daylighting Strategies
The open, airy design allows for abundant natural light penetration. An impressive 93 percent of regularly occupied spaces have access to daylight, far exceeding the LEED v2.2 requirement of 36 percent. This focus on daylighting enhances the learning environment and reduces energy consumption.
Indoor Environmental Quality
The De Anza Learning Center achieved 100% of LEED indoor environmental quality credits. This accomplishment reflects the commitment to providing a healthy and comfortable learning environment for students and faculty. Features like buoyancy-driven ventilation contribute to improved indoor air quality.
Energy Efficiency Measures
The building’s energy-efficient design results in a remarkable 71 percent reduction in energy use compared to regional standards for educational buildings. This translates to an estimated annual savings of $60,000.
Water Conservation and Management
Sustainable features such as water runoff control minimize the center’s impact on local water resources. This responsible approach to water management contributes to the overall sustainability of the project.
LEED Consulting and Certification Process
Expert LEED consultants played a crucial role in guiding the project team through the certification process. Their involvement included:
- Providing technical advice on sustainable design strategies.
- Managing LEED Online documentation.
- Reviewing product submittals to ensure compliance with LEED standards.
- Implementing quality assurance and control procedures.
A Model for Sustainable Education
The De Anza Learning Center serves as a shining example of how sustainable design can be integrated into educational facilities. The center’s LEED Platinum certification demonstrates De Anza College’s leadership in environmental stewardship and provides a model for other institutions to emulate. This facility not only provides a cutting-edge learning environment but also embodies a commitment to a more sustainable future.
