WKU to open "green" building
WKU (Western Kentucky University will unveil its first "green" building next year, which meets standards for building materials, construction and energy usage. The structure has been built according to the US Green Building Council's certification system, known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The three-storey, 120,000-square foot building replaces Tate Page Hall and includes classrooms, administrative offices, faculty offices, a technology center, research labs and clinical space. About 200 employees, including full- and part-time faculty, staff and graduate assistants will work in the building. It contains a number of energy-saving measures and systems such as insulated concrete, low-flow plumbing, motion-sensing lights and lighting that automatically adjusts to areas where it is most needed, and advanced heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.