The Stentor

Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Leland Humbertson

Media Credit: Solomon Cordwell Buenz architects The interior of the sports center may see minor changes if the school decides to LEED certify the structure.

Campus environmental groups are pressing administrators to seek green certification for the new Sports Center expansion; however, President Steve Schutt says that the decision will be determined by a detailed cost estimate to be completed next month.

Schematic design drawings for the project recently have been completed, which detail the placement of such objects as light switches and plumbing, will allow the general contractor, Chicago-based Pepper Construction, to better determine the project's official price tag. "It will give us a more realistic estimate of the cost," said Director of Facilities Management Dave Siebert.

The results of the cost estimate report may force some elements of the project to be cut. "We want to maximize all elements, especially in terms of aesthetics, landscaping, lighting, and electronics, and will likely develop compromises," Siebert said. Necessary components, such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, will not be touched by the cutbacks.

The costs of raw materials such as copper, steel, and concrete have skyrocketed over the past 12 months, according to Siebert.

A cost impact analysis of LEED-certification for the sports center project, completed in February, determined that for the building to receive the 26 points necessary for certification, the cost is estimated at $150,000. This includes the cost of a LEED consultant for the project, estimated at $40,000.

LEED certification, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a set of standards for environmentally friendly construction developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Although the standards have existed since 1998, last summer's renovation of Buchanan Hall brought the Lake Forest College campus its first LEED-certified structure.

When Environmental Issues and Concerns Advisory Committee (EICAC) member Dave Siebert brought the plans for the expansion to the committee, evaluating LEED certification was a natural step, according to EICAC chair, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Lori Del Negro.

"We evaluated the plans, and looked into options that the architect could consider," said Del Negro.

The committee invited Director of Athletics Jackie Slaats and a trustee to one of the EICAC meetings to make recommendations. After conversations with students, faculty, and the Athletics department, Del Negro found popular support for the certification.

Making the project LEED-certified at this point in construction would also change the timetable. Del Negro said that the technology is not available off-the-shelf, and is instead based around ensuring that different components such as ductwork and windows work together to eliminate hot and cold spots and promote clean air indoors.

Schutt supports the mission of LEED-certification, but he said that the cost will determine whether the college can make the building green.

"My hope is that it will be [LEED-certified]," said Schutt. "We want the facility to be as energy-efficient and environmentally-conscious as possible."

Once the total project cost estimate is completed, "we will be able to determine if the College can cover the additional upfront costs required for LEED certification," Schutt added.

Some campus environmentalists don't believe the certification should be optional.

"In general, LEED certification has lax requirements," said freshman Paul Henne, a member of the League for Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP) and a future EICAC member. "The school necessarily should meet the mild requirements of LEED. At the current height of environmental awareness, it is surely pathetic for an intellectual institution, which is willing to raise the required money, to lack environmental sustainability with its surroundings."

Senior Greg Reger, who assisted in the Buchanan Hall's LEED-certification, felt that alumni would be more inclined to support the construction of a green facility.

"I'm sure that many alumni will support this endeavor, not only in word but in financial terms as well," he said. "If I were an alum, I would only support this project if it was to be LEED certified. LEED certification is not only economically right, but morally right as well. It would be ridiculous to decide not to, especially since the estimated additional cost would be no more that $150,000."

"After all, the name of our college is Lake Forest College - how can we not be green?" he added.

Whether the building is LEED-certified, Siebert aims to make the building as efficient as possible.

"Student uses are our first priority," he said. "I'd rather purchase basketball hoops than pay for a consultant. In many cases, LEED-certification is ratification to things we're going to do anyway," he said.

Plans for the expansion have yet to go to the City of Lake Forest for approval. On April 21st, an information session was held for the site's immediate neighbors in the lobby of the existing sports center. On May 6th, Siebert and others will appear at the city's Building Review Board to request approval of the project. While optimistic, Siebert does not expect immediate approval.

"The city could require something unexpected," he said. "It sounds clichéd, but we must hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

Other non-construction elements are proceeding on schedule.

"I'm pleased with our fundraising for the project, it's going well," said Schutt. "We plan to break ground sometime in August."

If all goes according to plan, Siebert acknowledged that pre-demolition work such as fencing could begin in August.

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