Chico State LEED/Net Zero Buildings
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the most widely used green building rating system in the world, is a program of the US Green Building Council. Available for virtually all building, community and home project types, LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings.
The Science Building opened in the fall of 2021. The 110,200-square-foot Sciences Building was built to LEED Silver Certification standards, and it is a state-of-the art teaching facility. The building houses several departments including Chemistry, Physics, Geological Science and Science Education and is expected to be a science hub for the North State. The building encompasses features such as shading and sunscreens to minimize energy while maximizing daylight, right-sizing laboratory equipment loads, as well as other energy- and water- saving initiatives.
Located on the southwest corner of campus, the stunning 90,000 square-foot Arts & Humanities building was awarded LEED Silver certification in 2022. The building houses the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office, departmental offices for English, International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Comparative Religion and Humanities, and Philosophy, and instructional and lab space.
The building is constructed with 10% recycled content building materials, 10% extracted regional materials, and 100% FSC-certified wood. Arts and Humanities demonstrates CSU, Chico’s commitment to environmental stewardship through its use of energy efficiency strategies including high performance glazing, a high albedo roof, demand-based control ventilation, a dual duct/dual fan HVAC system, and subsurface storm water treatment.
The building complex that houses the University Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety, the Campus Information Center, and the Emergency Operations Center was awarded Gold LEED certification in March 2013. The building features a cool-roof system that reflects sunlight and reduces energy use during the hot summer months; drought tolerant plants and low-flow irrigation; nine electric vehicle charging stations available by permit during business hours and open to the public in off times; and construction practices that used 21% recycled content, 66% sustainably harvested wood, and diverted 85% of waste from landfill.
The adjoining parking structure is also LEED Gold certified and includes a solar array that provides 60% of complexes yearly energy needs.
The Gateway Science Museum was awarded LEED Gold certification in 2011. Located on the north eastern corner of campus, the building houses exhibits designed to inspire visitors and promote scientific literacy, stewardship, and sustainable practices. The museum features a storm water biofiltration system, a pervious concrete parking lot, and mechanical and electrical systems that perform much more efficiently than state mandates.
Colusa Hall, one of the oldest buildings on the Chico State campus originally built in 1921 was remodeled in 2011 to become a state-of-the-art conference and event center with the capacity for over 200 guests. Although the building is not LEED certified, Colusa Hall was built to LEED Silver Certification standards. The project took into consideration sustainable building practices and materials while maintaining the historic essence. The building features energy-saving windows, window shading, energy-saving occupancy sensors, and a daylight harvesting lighting system.
The LEED Gold certified 111,2220-square-foot Éstom Jámani Hall complex opened in the fall of 2010 and contains student residences accommodating 232 students, a residential dining center with two commercial kitchens, four satellite kitchens with capacity for 635 patrons, and a programming center with meeting rooms, a smart classroom, and a resource center.
Our Wildcat Recreation Center (WREC) received LEED Gold Certification in August 2010. When constructing the WREC, an impressive 97% of construction debris was diverted from landfill. Recovered timber was milled and used as the front desk and benches throughout; asphalt and concrete was ground and recycled on site or used as road base nearby; scrap drywall was used as a soil amendment at the University Farm; scrap wood was sent to a co-generation electricity plant in nearby Oroville, CA. In addition, the indoor track is composed of natural renewable rubber and natural fillers and color pigments that are free of lead and other heavy metals. Low-flow shower heads and waterless urinals are also used in locker rooms to reduce water use.
The University’s 122,000-square-foot, four story Student Services Center received LEED Silver Certification. The building features an interactive touch screen digital information center kiosk that allows users to learn about the different buildings on campus with regard to a number of environmentally conscious topics including water, recycling, electricity, and energy usage. The kiosk also allows users to see up-to-date, real-time building plug load and lighting usage.