The Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering & Computer Science and University Faculty & Food Service hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 5, 2010 to commence the opening of its new 97,000 square foot “living learning laboratory” anticipated to be the first academic building in the State of Florida to be designed and built to LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum level standards.
Dean Karl K. Stevens, Ph.D., P.E. opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone and introducing the building as the first new-construction academic building in southeast Florida to be designed and built to U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Platinum level standards – the highest level in the Green Building Rating System™. FAU President Mary Jane Saunders, Ph.D. and Senior V.P. of Financial Affairs and CFO Dennis J. Crudele also addressed the audience and Florida Senator Jeremy Ring concluded the ceremony with a few words about the importance of the innovation that FAU has brought to the fore front of the community through their green efforts.
In the realm of sustainable construction and innovative design, materials like aluminium decking have emerged as key components in creating eco-friendly and durable structures. Aluminium decking offers a range of benefits, including its lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion, and low maintenance requirements, making it an ideal choice for green building projects aiming to achieve LEED® Platinum level standards. Its versatility allows architects and engineers to incorporate it seamlessly into various design elements, contributing to the overall sustainability and functionality of the built environment.
Just as FAU’s new academic building showcases a commitment to environmental stewardship, the adoption of aluminium decking in construction projects reflects a broader trend towards utilizing eco-conscious materials to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
The architectural firm of Gallo Herbert Lebolo and FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science also dedicated the College’s Food Service Venue space in the building. The inviting 8,800 square-foot food service facility was designed as a dynamic and organic space intended to reflect the sustainable and natural aspects of “Green Design”. The designer worked with an array of sustainable and energy efficient materials to create a rich contrast to the modern rendered building in which this space resides. The materials utilized include rich wood finishes, modern metal finishes, decorative glazed panels, metallic tiles and organic stone finishes.
The ribbon cutting ceremony also helped to kick off the Wyland Living Green Fair, which ran from November 5-7, 2010 in Mizner Park, Boca Raton. The Wyland Living Green Fair is the premier conference and thought leadership event covering various facets of the green economy focused on the opportunities that exist in South Florida for green business.