University of Pittsburgh

Comprising the core of Pittsburgh’s Oakland innovation district, the University of Pittsburgh has been updating its portfolio of aging buildings with energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive buildings. evolveEA is helping the University meet its strategic goals, in alignment with the Pittsburgh 2030 District, with green building framework management and consulting. Current projects include a renovation of the main campus library, the Pharmacy School, a laboratory building, an academic tower, and more. We also provide ongoing sustainability consulting related to frameworks, performance verification, and institutional goal setting to the University as a whole.

Hillman Library

Pitt Hillman Library rendering courtesy of GBBN.

The Hillman Library is the main library and largest academic building on the University of Pittsburgh Campus. Over the next 3-4 years it will be completely renovated over multiple phases. The renovation will remove a large amount of the static book storage to be replaced with student study areas. The building’s mechanical systems will be completely replaced, greatly increasing efficiency. Construction began in the summer of 2017 on the first phase of the project which replaces most of the rooftop mechanical equipment and renovates the fourth (topmost) floor. Subsequent phases will immediately follow the completion of the current one.

Location: Corner of Forbes Avenue and Schenley Drive
Size: 175,000 sf
Project Team: University of Pittsburgh (owner), GBBN (architect), CJL (MEP engineer), BurroHappold (structural), Gateway Engineers (Civil)
Certifications being pursued: LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI)

Salk Hall – Phase I (Pharmacy)

Salk Hall Laboratory, photo courtesy of University of Pittsburgh

Salk Hall contains both the Pharmacy and Dental Schools at the University of Pittsburgh. The LEED Platinum renovation of the pharmacy spaces on floors four and above reconfigured classroom, lab, and office space to meet the needs of the students and faculty. It also included a complete replacement of the mechanical systems with the use of innovative systems like chilled beams where appropriate.

Location: 3501 Terrace Street
Size: 99,777 sf
Project Team: University of Pittsburgh (owner), Ballinger (Design Architect, MEP, Structural Engineering), DRS architects (architect of record), The Lighting Practice (lighting design), Jensen Hughes (code consultant), Van Deusen & Associates (elevator / equipment)
Certifications: LEED Platinum for Commercial Interiors (CI)

Recreation & Wellness Center

The Recreation and Wellness Center will create a hub for student activity revolving around fitness and wellness. The project will also have a 350 space parking garage and will connect the upper and lower campuses. evolveEA is the sustainability consultant for the project, providing performance targets, managing stakeholder surveying and leading sustainability framework management.

Location: Ohara Street
Area: 310,000 sf
Project Team: University of Pittsburgh (owner), Moody Noaln (architect), Arup (MEP engineer), CEC (Civil)
Certifications being pursued: LEED for New Construction (NC), WELL Building Standard, and ParkSmart