ISU Economic Development Core Achieves LEED Gold Certification
Located on Iowa State University’s Research Park campus in Ames, Iowa, the Development Core Facility has been recognized for environmental consideration in design and human impact awareness.
Iowa State University’s Economic Core Development Facility has been awarded the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) GOLD certification. Designed by RDG Planning & Design, the corporate office brings a diverse group of previously separate services together under one roof with a shared mission of supporting Iowa's economic development.
The glass-clad building is designed around a core of collaboration spaces that support a wide range of interaction and engagement - social, professional and educational - an approach that supports the clients’ desire to foster a culture of innovation, engagement and exchange and recognize the value of people forming relationships.
RDG’s design leverages an eye-catching, translucent exterior, allowing natural daylight to flood the space. Views of Iowa’s sweeping landscape surround the site and can be seen from nearly any location in the building. A centrally-located feature staircase encourages occupants to opt to use the stairs rather than the elevator, which is located outside of obvious site.
Additional sustainable features include a highly efficient mechanical system, efficient plumbing fixtures and thoughtfully selected building materials. Before occupancy, the building underwent a flush to reduce indoor toxins and enhanced commissioning service to ensure systems were working properly. With respect to installed lighting, the building’s unit power density peaks at .68 watts per square foot and is further reduced by the engineered use of natural daylight.