Benson Hall
Silver Certified; Year Achieved: 2009
Benson Hall, home of the English and History departments, was awarded LEED Silver Certification for Commercial Interiors (CI). LEED-CI allows for the incorporation of sustainable interior features during renovations, as opposed to new construction, to reduce operating and maintenance costs while also reducing a facility’s environmental footprint. Vanderbilt University’s Campus Planning and Construction team worked with Gobbell Hays Partners to incorporate sustainable and environmentally friendly elements into Benson Hall including:
- 77 percent of renovation waste was diverted from the landfill;
- Renovation materials were sourced locally;
- Energy-efficient lighting fixtures and water-conserving plumbing fixtures were installed;
- Renovation materials with post-consumer recycled content and little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were used;
- Energy Star-rated computers, monitors, printers, copiers, fax machines, refrigerators and televisions were purchased; and
- A green cleaning program was implemented which uses cleaning products with a low impact on the environment.