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.
Acuff Center for Aquaculture, Gloucester Point, VA: This 19,273 sf, two-story research facility at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) focuses on advancing shellfish farming science in the Chesapeake Bay area. The hatchery 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 LEED-NC Silver-level certification in May 2024.
American University Hall of Science, Washington, DC: This three-story 123,800 sf STEM building designed by Ballinger provides classrooms, teaching laboratories, preparation laboratories, and offices for the Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Neuroscience departments. Construction commenced in 2017 and was completed in September 2020. SDC provided Process Management, and the building achieved LEED-NC Gold-level certification in November 2020.
Morgan State University Calvin & Tina Tyler Hall, Baltimore, MD: This new 137,850 sf facility supports a variety of services, including recruitment, financial aid, and work-study programs. In addition to achieving LEED-NC Gold-level certification in March 2021, this project also earned awards for Public Building of the Year from AIA Maryland, Excellence in Architecture from the SCUP / AIA Committee on Architecture for Education, and Best Projects, Higher Education Category from ENR Mid-Atlantic.
University of Maryland College Park Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Innovation, College Park, MD: This new 108,000 sf STEM classroom building designed by HDR and completed in 2018 is the first State of Maryland project to follow the International Green Construction Code (IgCC). The building includes a state-of-the-art advanced computer lab, maker space, research spaces, private offices, and a 300-person auditorium. SDC provided Process Management and achieved IgCC compliance in September 2020.
William & Mary Alumni House, Williamsburg, VA: This 34,974 sf addition provides assembly, event, and office spaces for the Alumni Association, enabling this building to become the largest non-athletic event venue on campus. Sustainable elements include 60% water savings, 25.3% energy savings, and more than 75% of construction waste diversion. The project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in February 2022, emphasizing indoor air quality and environmental stewardship.
University of Mary Washington Jepson Science Center Addition, Fredericksburg, VA: Designed by Commonwealth Architects with S/L/A/M Collaborative, this three-story, 40,000 sf facility addition showcases science through the use of glass walls and integration of sustainable technologies showcasing the sciences. SDC provided Process Management and the project attained both LEED Silver-level certification and USGBC Virginia’s Green Schools, Higher Education Award in 2021.