Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia is continuing a solid push toward lasting sustainability practices with the construction of the first green residence hall on campus. When the new residence hall at East Campus (building 1516) opens in fall 2010, non-first-year students will have a technologically advanced living space that incorporates eco-friendly programs into everyday life for a complete “Living Green” experience. Current residents will be able to get a preview of a typical room in the new hall Jan. 12-29, when a full-sized, furnished replica will be on display in the Brumby Hall rotunda. For hours of operation, see www.uga.edu/housing/tour/new.html.
“As part of University Housing’s commitment to provide more students with comfortable, affordable and secure housing options, we are excited to have a new residence hall that meets demands for housing, addresses the needs and interests of the new generation of environmentally conscientious students, and supports their academic and personal growth,” said Gerry Kowalski, University Housing executive director. “The ‘Living Green’ philosophy will be the fundamental concept of the new hall.”
The university is implementing numerous green elements into the building of the new residence hall, seeking LEED certification once construction is completed. Promotion of community connectivity, physical activity and pollution reduction will help reinforce the “Living Green” practices of the new building. Students will be within walking distance of east campus amenities, such as the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, Joe Frank Harris Dining Commons, University Health Center, and the Performing and Visual Arts Complex. Interior bike storage, as well as easy access to residential parking and bus routes, will be provided to promote alternative modes of transportation.
Features that incorporate green technology include in-room temperature controls; high-efficiency sinks, showers and toilets that allow a significant savings per year in water; treated gray water recycled from sinks and showers for use in toilets; low-emitting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in paint, carpet, coatings, sealants and adhesives that reduce contaminants effecting indoor air quality; and double-paned, low-energy windows that help rooms maintain constant temperatures. Ten percent of the materials used to construct the residence hall are made of recycled content, and another ten percent are originated from within 500 miles of the construction site, reducing air pollutants created from transporting the materials from great distances. The exterior of the building features a cool roof and concrete sidewalks which reflect light and use of drought resistant landscaping and runoff water to replenish underground water sources.
The new residence hall will be the fourth building to comprise the Reed Community and will provide a home-away-from-home for 555 students.
“Although it is near East Campus Village, the traditional style rooms will be different from the apartment-style living offered in the neighboring community,” said Kowalski. “The rooms are set up much like the rooms in Reed Hall, with double and single rooms and private bath accommodations for each room. We invite students to take a look at the room mock-up at Brumby. I think they will be pleased with and excited about the room set-up.”
Undergraduate staff members known as resident assistants will support residents in programs and other initiatives designed to aid in personal growth and academic success, in addition to programs geared toward sustainability education. The hall will feature nine-month academic contracts, carpeted rooms, loftable twin beds, laundry and kitchen facilities throughout the building, high-speed Internet access, and biometric hand readers for secure resident access.
For more information on the new hall, see www.uga.edu/housing/tour/new.html, visit the room mock-up in Brumby Hall, or attend the Housing Fair sponsored by The Red & Black in conjunction with University Housing on Monday, Jan. 11, in the Tate Center Grand Hall. UGA students will have the opportunity to request participation in Returning Resident Room Sign-Up 2010 (http://www.uga.edu/housing/room-sign-up.html) through Sunday, Jan. 24, which starts the hall and room assignment process. A student information session schedule is located on this site.
The Department of University Housing at the University of Georgia provides comfortable, affordable and secure on-campus housing options in residential communities where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported. Approximately 7,000 students live in 20 residence halls within seven residential communities, along with graduate students and their families in 580 campus units. University Housing is committed to creating and supporting an environment of diversity and offers the most innovative services to residents, more than 600 professional, graduate and student staff, and the university community.
For learn more about University Housing at the University of Georgia, see www.uga.edu/housing.
