University Architect Testifies in Washington on UC s Green Building Efforts

While the University of Cincinnati’s collection of signature architecture has drawn worldwide attention – from European, Asian and U.S. magazines as well as outlets like the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune – it’s less well known that a number of UC’s recent construction projects incorporated green building specifications.

The economic and environmental benefits realized from UC’s green building efforts were the subject of testimony provided today by University Architect Mary Beth McGrew as she spoke before the U.S. Congress’ Small Business Committee. She joined a number of big city mayors along with representatives from the American Architects Association and the National Homebuilders Association during a hearing focusing on the opportunities provided innovative small businesses by green construction efforts. The hearing was titled “Small Businesses at the Forefront of the Green Revolution: What More Needs to Be Done to Keep Them Here?”

She outlined a number of specific means by which construction of green buildings at UC have benefited the small business community. For instance, contractors and construction companies learned to use the tools of the green building trade when designing, building and maintaining green buildings for the university. This, in turn, provided small businesses with a competitive edge. McGrew provided the example of the Cincinnati Floor Company, which developed a sports floor for the Campus Recreation Center made, in part, from recycled materials applied with a solvent-free adhesive.

McGrew, an architect with many years of industry experience who is professionally certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, predicted that the production of such green building materials by small businesses will grow as demand rises. It’s an important trend for the region since Cincinnati ranks sixth in the United States in terms of manufacturing jobs. She affirmed, “These manufacturing companies and the green building industry can and will benefit each other.” That’s already been proven at UC.

UC buildings LEED-certified for performance in terms of sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality are

• Joseph A. Steger Student Life Center
• Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village

Those expected to be certified in the near future:

• Campus Recreation Center
• The Center for Academic and Research Excellence (CARE)