University of Arkansas Recognized for First Green Globes-Rated Apartments in the Country

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas’ Duncan Avenue Apartments and Duncan Avenue Community Center received Green Globe awards from the Green Building Initiative for achievements in sustainable design and construction.

Ward Hubbell, president of the Green Building Initiative, presented leaders from the University of Arkansas with plaques recognizing the buildings’ environmental achievements during an Earth Day ceremony. The Duncan Avenue Apartments achieved a rating of One Globe and the Duncan Avenue Community Center achieved a Two Globes rating.

“The University of Arkansas has a long-term commitment to sustainability,” said Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities. “The Duncan Avenue Apartments and community center are examples of the way we intend to use innovative technologies in our buildings to create a sustainable campus. We are proud and grateful to have our efforts recognized by an organization of the caliber of the Green Buildings Initiative.”

The Duncan Avenue Apartment complex is a three-story, 57,800-square-foot complex with 54 apartments, each with four bedrooms. It was recognized for:

• Outstanding achievements in integrated design, which ensured a team approach was used throughout the progressive stages of the design process and involved collaboration between the project’s architect, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders;

• The minimization of the building’s water consumption through the use of water-efficient equipment such as dual flush fixtures in each unit and water-saving fixtures on faucets and showerheads;

• A healthy and comfortable indoor environment that provides a high level of indoor air quality, effective lighting, thermal comfort and suitable acoustic conditions.

The Duncan Avenue Community Center is a two-story, 3,400-square-foot building and was recognized for:

• Achievements in environmental purchasing, including the procurement of energy-saving, high-efficiency equipment;

• Controlling storm water run-off to prevent damage to the building and vegetation, and to minimize run-off into waterways;

• Incorporating energy-efficient lighting fixtures, lamps and ballasts.

“The University of Arkansas’ new sustainable buildings prove that all types of structures, from apartments to community centers, can be designed and built in an efficient and environmentally-friendly manner,” said Hubbell. “On this Earth Day, the university should be commended for not only improving our built environment but also setting a good example for students, faculty and staff, and the community.”

Green Globes is an innovative green building guidance and assessment program that was adapted from a system that is widely used in Canada. Arkansas was the first state to officially recognize the Green Globes system, according to Hubbell. It has since been officially recognized in 17 additional states as well as by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior. In addition, Green Globes has been formally recognized by private sector institutions such as Aon, Liberty Mutual and the Fireman’s Fund.

To achieve a Green Globes rating, the Duncan Avenue buildings project team used the Green Globes’ tool’s unique, online and interactive format to help design and construct both buildings in an environmentally-friendly manner. After the buildings were constructed, a third-party building science expert, authorized by the Green Building Initiative, was engaged to review the construction documents, conduct an on-site inspection and assess an official Green Globes rating.

The Duncan Avenue Apartments are the first apartment project in the country to receive Green Globes ratings. More than 55 buildings nationwide have achieved the rating, including the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.

For more information about the Green Building Initiative and Green Globes, visit www.thegbi.org.

About the Green Building Initiative: The mission of the Green Building Initiative is to accelerate the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches. A not-for-profit education initiative, the Green Building Initiative is supported by a broad cross section of organizations and individuals with an interest in residential and commercial construction. For more information on the Green Building Initiative, please visit www.thegbi.org.