The U.S. Green Building Council awarded NVCC’s Founders Hall with LEED Gold certification. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely-used green building rating system in the world. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement; to receive it projects pursue credits that earn them points towards one of four potential levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The Gold-level certification requires that 60-79 points are earned.

From 2015-2017, Founders Hall, which was built in 1962 and was the home of Waterbury State Technical College, underwent a major renovation and expansion.  Today, the 85,000 square foot Center for Health Sciences at Founders Hall is home to NVCC’s Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiologic Assistant, and Respiratory Therapy programs, as well as home to the college’s workforce development programs and lifelong learning division. The state-of-the-art facility includes patient simulator labs, classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, computer labs, student study areas, a collaborative learning classroom, a 125-seat lecture hall and a multipurpose community room with seating for 320. The building boasts the latest in energy-efficient technology, and while it was initially expected to receive a LEED Silver certification, it surpassed the expectations of the team who managed the project.

Some features which helped qualify Founders Hall for its LEED Gold certification include:

• A Stormwater Management Plan that results in a 26% decrease in the volume of stormwater runoff from the two-year 24-hour design storm.
• High-albedo materials (surfaces with high solar reflectance) cover the entire roof, reducing heat absorption known as Heat Island Effect
• This project extends the life cycle of the existing Founders Hall Building by reusing at least 55% of existing structural floors, roof decking, and steel framing
• Greater than 10% (based on cost) of the total value of materials used on the project were Regional Materials (those manufactured and whose raw material were extracted, harvested or recovered within a 500 mile radius of the building). Local granite, concrete, masonry, steel, and gypsum board are some components that helped reduce transportation impacts and support neighboring businesses
• At least 2.5% (based on cost) of the total value of materials used on the project were Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified. Helping to stimulate the development of environmentally-focused product evaluation and certification tools, the C2C program addresses material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.
   

Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Melody A. Currey said, “The Department of Administrative Services is proud to be involved with the Naugatuck Valley Community College Founders Hall renovation.  LEED certification means using innovative ways to make an entire building more energy efficient while saving money and adding sustainability over the lifetime of the facility. DAS strives to make the world a healthier, more sustainable place though the thoughtful execution of state building development and construction.  The goal for the project was to attain LEED Silver certification.  The project architect, Moser Pilon Nelson, working with the engineers at Bemis Associates, our Construction Administrator, A/Z Corporation, and our Construction Manager, the Morganti Group exceeded that goal and we are excited to report that this project has earned recognition in attaining LEED Gold certification.  I am very proud of our Division of Construction Services team in their contribution to this project and their efforts to achieve this certification.”

Seumas Quinn, BO, LEED AP, GGP, of A/Z Corporation said, “As Construction Administrator, I was pleased to work closely with the Division of Construction Services PM, Joel Baranowski, the Architect, Moser Pilon Nelson, the Engineers at Bemis Associates, and the Construction Managers, Morganti Group in achieving LEED Gold Certification. From the onset, this team was committed to constructing and renovating Founders Hall with a goal to develop a building that would cut energy and water use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and operate under a sustainable plan that will contribute to a healthier environment for the students and faculty at NVCC. We are proud of our contribution to this project and congratulate the team on achieving LEED Gold.”

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. said, “NVCC was very fortunate to have a team of professional and dedicated colleagues who worked painstakingly on every detail of the renovation. The outcome is a beautiful, highly innovative and forward-looking space. NVCC celebrates this significant achievement, a testament to respectful and efficient use of resources. A special thank you to Joel Baranowski of DAS and NVCC Provost Emeritus James Troup for their generous engagement.”