Ronald Tutor Campus Center is USC’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified structure. The project is featured in the green success stories edition of the upcoming Southwest Real Estate & Construction Review.
Developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system promotes construction projects that reduce negative environmental impacts of buildings and improve occupant health and well-being.
The average LEED-certified building saves 30 to 40% of energy use, cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 38%, creates 70% less solid waste and uses 40% less water. The center incorporates radiant heating in the outdoor plaza, easily reforested bamboo wood, trash compactors that separate out bio-degradable components, and lighting with motion sensors with long-life bulbs.
The facility has incorporated water-saving measures, including low-flow plumbing and an underground retention basin to capture rainfall in view of Southern California’s drought-prone climate.
The center is designed to offer a healthy environment for its occupants with its superior ventilation, abundant natural light, filtered water and paints, and furnishings free from toxic chemicals. The campus center is expected to serve as a model for future green construction projects at USC.
Real Estate & Construction Review has been published by Construction Communications from Michigan since 1999. It is published annually in five regional editions that feature each region’s top projects.
