Sustainability is not only one of Columbia University's key initiatives, but also a topic that is sparking many discussions, as was the focus of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) 2010 North Atlantic Regional Conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on March 25, 2010. The event featured a panel entitled "Well, Well, Well-One Approach to Sustainability Master Planning" which included Joe Mannino, AIA, Associate Vice President of Capital Project Management at Columbia University Facilities.
Viewing sustainability as a driver for future campus planning, the group gave insight into sustainability policies and approaches and ways that institutions can benefit from the use of geothermal wells, such as the ones recently installed at Columbia University's Knox Hall. Mannino discussed how these wells can assist with financial and space savings, historic preservation, and noise abatement.
Knox is a century-old structure converted from a seminary residence to an academic building, and has been heated and cooled since its opening in September 2009 with exceptional efficiency by a 1,800 foot deep geothermal well system. Payback is estimated at under six years and will help Columbia to meet the PlaNYC energy challenge and the University's goals of energy efficiency, indoor air quality and daylighting. The project is currently pursuing a LEED Silver certification with the United States Green Building Council.
Click here to read more about the SCUP Na Regional Conference, as highlighted in High Profile.
