Certified LEED Platinum, The Lofts of Washington University project is designed to be 46 percent more efficient than standard construction.
The Lofts of Washington University, an $80 million residential and retail project, has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest level, by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Located on the Delmar Loop, the project debuted in August 2014 and features 167 fully furnished apartments for Washington University in St. Louis undergraduate students; United Provisions, a full-service grocery store and restaurant; and the 24-hour Peacock Loop Diner.
Projected to be 46 percent more efficient than standard construction, the student apartment and retail complex was designed to minimize impact on the environment while creating healthy spaces for people.
Solar thermal panels heat 25 percent of the buildings’ hot water; solar photovoltaic cells will provide 10 percent of the electrical needs; rain gardens treat stormwater; and the buildings’ signature aluminum sunshades serve as both a bold design element and an effective tool to keep apartments comfortable.
“The Loop Lofts is functional, beautiful and very sustainable,” said Henry S. Webber, Wash U’s executive vice chancellor for administration. “Sustainability features are incorporated throughout the complex, honoring the university’s commitment to be a global citizen and teaching our students to be stewards of the world.”
The Lofts of Washington University is the university’s first LEED Platinum building. Hillman Hall, the site of the expanded Brown School, also is on track to earn platinum status after its 2015 opening.
Washington University is now home to 20 LEED-certified projects on the Danforth and School of Medicine campuses. Knight Hall, Bauer Hall and the McMillan Hall addition all recently earned LEED Gold certification.
A leader in green construction, Washington University committed in 2008 to meet or exceed LEED Silver certification for all new construction or major renovations.
“The Lofts of Washington University is a model for triple bottom line sustainable development,” said Phil Valko, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability. “The first floor retail activates the streetscape with new businesses, the transit-oriented design supports healthy and active lifestyles, and the sustainable design features significantly reduce the project’s environmental impact.”