UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Steidle Building, one of the most iconic buildings on Penn State’s University Park campus, has earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council following an extensive renovation.
Steidle Building improvements — which helped secure LEED Silver certification — include implementation of energy-efficient systems, structural improvements and use of recycled materials. Maintaining the iconic exterior features of the building while creating a state-of-the art, sustainability-focused, collaborative laboratory space inside was a primary design goal.
"This certification is a concrete demonstration of the sustainability principles embodied in both the University’s strategic plan and our college’s strategic plan,” said Lee Kump, dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. “I also would like to recognize the tremendous efforts of Gary Messing, former head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, in leading this renovation project. His innovative design ideas played a critical role in the building receiving LEED Silver certification.”
A number of features within the renovation ensured energy conservation as a priority. These include:
- Two new HVAC systems with heating and cooling based on occupancy sensors
- Open and shared laboratory space stacked floor upon floor for short HVAC runs and ease of heating and cooling
- LED lighting with occupancy sensors and ability to self-adjust based on natural light
- Dual-pane windows with added insulation between interior and exterior walls
- New roof and insulation added
- Low-flow energy-efficient fume hoods and snorkels
- Lobby furniture made from recycled materials
- Materials sourced from within 500 miles of campus
- Responsible construction debris handling
Steidle Building, designed by renowned U.S. architect Charles Klauder and constructed in 1929, was originally known as the Mineral Industries Building. It was renamed in 1978 in honor of Edward Steidle, dean of the School of Mineral Industries, a predecessor to today’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
To earn the LEED designation, facilities must meet requirements across a series of measurements, including location and transportation; sustainable sites; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; material and resources; indoor environmental quality; and regional priority credits.