Building with Sustainability in Mind: La Playa Residential Hall
It’s impossible not to notice the unprecedented amount of construction taking place on campus right now. Between the complete remodeling of the University Student Union and the construction of the brand-new 424-bed La Playa Residential Hall, CSULB is taking bold steps toward a more modernized and accessible campus community. Still, construction can have negative environmental impacts because of the amount of waste it can generate and the carbon emissions associated with creating and transporting building materials.
Luckily, these are considerations that are front and center for CSULB’s Design and Construction Services Team. With the development of La Playa Hall, the team is being mindful to incorporate sustainability through various green strategies. The project aims to reduce its environmental impact through energy and water efficient systems and waste mitigation efforts. Below are four ways in which sustainability is integrated into the project.
Solar Energy through Photovoltaic Panels
The La Playa Hall building will be fully electric, with no fossil fuels such as natural gas being used. Renewable energy will be used through the installation of photovoltaic panels to the roof. Approximately 45 kilowatts (kW) will be generated, decreasing electricity consumption from the grid. This will cut carbon emissions, supporting CSULB’s efforts to meet carbon neutrality and clean energy goals.
Reduced Water Usage
The La Playa Hall will reduce the strain on local water resources by adopting water conservation measures such as using recycled and reclaimed water for landscape irrigation and flushing toilets.
Smart Energy Use and Climate Control
Student room windows will have sensors that shut off heating and cooling when opened, reducing energy waste. The building’s three-cluster layout, connected by bridges, provides mutual shading to minimize sun exposure and HVAC demand. Additionally, due to the thermal properties of concrete, the exterior walls of La Playa Hall will not be insulated, reducing the need for fiberglass insulation resulting in lower energy use and emissions.
Recycling of Construction Debris
As with all construction projects on campus, as much as 90% of the construction waste generated from the project will be separated and diverted to a special facility for recycling.
The La Playa Hall building is designed to meet all criteria for LEED Silver equivalence, meeting the global standard for sustainable practices. These features show CSULB’s commitment to its sustainability goals, representing a future of environmentally responsible construction!
