Two New LEED Buildings Add to Yale University’s Ambitious Climate Goals

evolveEA is proud to be part of the team that brought two high-performance buildings online at Yale University’s New Haven, CT campus. Both buildings followed the framework for U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v4 Interior Design and Construction Commercial Interiors rating system, with LEED Gold awarded to 300 George Street and LEED Silver at 2 Science Park. These certifications coincide with recently announced details of how the university will become a carbon zero campus by 2050. Yale has been a global leader in the climate fight with their Yale Sustainability Plan released in 2016 that addresses campus infrastructure, material use, behavior change, curriculum development, and other initiatives that contribute to the university’s social, environmental, and financial excellence.

As sustainability consultant for the two new LEED buildings on Yale University’s campus, evolveEA successfully guided the project teams through the certification process. Both 300 George and 2 Science Park achieved the maximum points for Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, used no- or low-VOC content for indoor materials, incorporated an Integrative Process during the design, and followed enhanced commissioning procedures. Additional details about each building’s sustainability features are noted below.

300 George Street, LEED Gold for Commercial Interiors

A laboratory renovation of the 6th Floor at 300 George Street, this LEED Gold CI project provided occupancy sensors for 92% of the connected lighting load which has been simulated to yield lighting power savings of over 40%, and installed ENERGY STAR-rated equipment and appliances throughout the project. Water savings are predicted to be greater than 30% when compared to an average laboratory project.

The 6th floor of 300 George Street, leased by Yale University, achieved LEED Gold CI certification under the guidance of evolveEA as sustainability consultants. Photo by building owner Winstanley Enterprises LLC.

At the conclusion of construction and after furniture was installed, an independent laboratory collected and analyzed air samples to confirm compliance with LEED thresholds. This indoor air quality assessment is a testament to the commitment of healthy indoor spaces for building occupants.

Architect: Svigals + Partners
MEP Engineer: HF Lenz
Contractor: Shawmut
Owner: Yale University
Sustainability: evolveEA

2 Science Park, LEED Silver for Commercial Interiors

Designed to enhance the comfort and productivity of the occupants in this renovated office building, 2 Science Park achieved LEED CI Silver. Features include quality views, interior lighting strategies, advanced energy monitoring, improved HVAC efficiency and zoning controls, and simulated water savings of over 30% when compared to an average office building.

evolveEA led the LEED Silver CI certification at 2 Science Park on Yale University’s campus.

During construction, the contractor recycled over 85% of debris in 11 waste streams, diverting waste that would otherwise go to the landfill. Much of this demolition waste was donated to COMET (Construction Management Enhanced Training) for use in their training program. Items donated include carpet tiles, light fixtures, doors, water fountains, signs, fire extinguishers, exit signs, flushometers, and various hardware and storage items.

Architect: Svigals + Partners
MEP Engineer: CES CT
Contractor: Shawmut
Owner: Yale University
Sustainability: evolveEA