Higher educational institutions have long been aware of the importance of sustainability on campus. In addition to enjoying operating cost savings, enhanced reputation, and a healthier learning environment, these institutions may also offer on-site, built environment-based sustainability curriculum to their students. Building types in this category include classroom, student services, athletic, and campus administration facilities. SDC has provided services for LEED certification, as well as adaptations of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), for higher educational projects in several states, the District of Columbia, and abroad.
VCU Engineering Research Building, Richmond, VA: This 133,000 sf, four-story facility was designed by Baskervill with Goody Clancy. It provides advanced research labs, a vivarium, collaboration spaces, and makerspace. The project promotes walkability and bike use, featuring a large central staircase to encourage reduced reliance on elevators. The building achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in February 2021 and serves as a hub for research, innovation, and career development.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Acuff Center for Aquaculture, Gloucester Point, VA: This 19,273 sf, two-story research facility advances shellfish farming science in the Chesapeake Bay area. The hatchery, designed by Quinn Evans Architects, features wet labs that use filtered water from the York River to nurture oyster growth, returning cleaner water to the environment. SDC provided process management for the project, which earned both LEED-NC Silver-level certification and a USGBC Virginia Community Impact Award in 2024.
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, Washington, DC: Formerly the Newseum, this 631,040 sf academic hub provides classrooms, offices, and collaboration spaces for 1,300 students and 653 staff. Designed by Ennead Architects and SmithGroup, the project achieved a 35% reduction in water use and 16% energy cost savings, with 87% of existing structural elements reused and 96% of construction waste diverted from landfills. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Gold-level certification in 2024.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland New Academic Building and Auditorium, St. Mary’s City, MD: This two-building complex designed by GWWO Architects includes the 50,230 sf Dodge Performing Arts Center with an auditorium, recital hall, practice rooms, and classrooms, and a 16,290 sf west building with a café, study commons, and classrooms. The project achieved energy savings of 21%, and over 35% indoor water reduction. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in 2023.
Southern Maryland Autonomous Research and Technology (SMART) Building, California, MD: This 84,316 sf facility designed by Cooper Carry includes MATRIX and robotics labs, an indoor flight facility, classrooms, and offices. The project's landscaping needs no irrigation, energy-efficient systems cut costs by 24%, and water-saving fixtures reduced use by 44%. Daylit stairways, perforated metal screens, and a reflective roof enhance wellness. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Gold-level certification in 2023.
Radford University Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity, Radford, VA: Designed by Hord Coplan Macht, this 215,000 sf multi-story building, includes classrooms, labs, maker and studio spaces, collaborative areas, and a 450-seat proscenium theater with orchestra pit. The project replaces aging facilities with state-of-the-art spaces that integrate arts and sciences while supporting dynamic teaching and research. SDC provided Process Management, and the project earned LEED-NC Silver-level certification.
Virginia Commonwealth University STEM Building, Richmond, VA: This 167,400 sf, six-story academic building designed by Ballinger and Quinn Evans includes academic spaces and wet and dry labs. The urban site encourages walking and transit use, and building systems reduced energy and water use. Over 86% of construction waste was diverted, and low-emitting, regionally sourced, transparent materials were used throughout. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Gold-level certification in 2024.