Sustainability at the UC
The decision to renovate, rebuild and reimagine the Ruth S. Harley University Center (UC)—rather than demolish and rebuild—is a major recycling event. Many materials used are environmentally friendly and reflect a dedication to green building practices. Here are the UC sustainability facts to know.
Energy-efficient, bio-based, reclaimed and recycled construction materials, an expansive exterior green space, and overall reduction of waste all contribute to the launch of a more sustainable University Center.
Overall Sustainability Efforts
- The improvement to and reuse of an existing building
- Use of energy-efficient glass, LED lights and many reclaimed and recycled construction materials
- Dining Services will be reducing food and plastic waste and offering more organic and locally grown food
Percentage of Recycled Materials Used in Ceilings Throughout the UC
View full details in the dropdown menu below.
List of the recycled, bio-based, eco-friendly materials selected for interior finishes:
- Student Lounge: 60 percent recycled PET (plastic from water bottles)
- Ballroom: 60 percent recycled PET (plastic from water bottles)
- Offices, Restrooms, Storage, Health Services Floor: 80–84 percent recycled content
- Conference Rooms, Meeting Rooms, Corridors, Ballroom Lobby: Plant-based; 71 percent recycled content, manufactured with a plant-based binder
- Student Lounge Perimeter: 25 percent recycled content
- Food Areas and Kitchens: 41 percent recycled content
- Lower-Level Concourse Perimeter, First-Floor Atrium Infill: 40 percent recycled content
- Lower-Level Dining, Seating Areas and First-Floor Concourse: 20 percent clear plateglass recycled content
- Carpet Tile for Corridors, Meeting Rooms, Conference Rooms, Offices: 45–66 percent recycled product
- Student Lounge, Ballroom and Interfaith Center: Bio-based material produced from sugarcane plant
- Aluminum mullions at exterior glass facades: 60 percent recycled content
- Soaring glass walls throughout the UC are made of energy-efficient Solarban glass.
- Energy-efficient and state-of-the-art food storage, preparation, cooking and cleanup equipment
- ORCA food prep waste management system: This innovative machine thoroughly processes scraps produced from food preparation (not meal waste) until reduced to liquid form, which can then be safely discharged down a dedicated drain.
- The dining hall’s significantly larger dishwasher can handle 25 percent of dishes produced during times of peak capacity in each washing cycle.
- Food Donation: Our dining partner, Chartwells, has worked and continues to work with Island Harvest to donate unused food.
- Water refill stations are located throughout the building to support the use of reusable bottles instead of single-use bottles.
Location
Klapper Center for Fine Arts, 122