Going for the Gold in Sustainable College Campus Design
The RDG-designed Loyola University Chicago Alfie Norville Practice Facility receives LEED Gold certification.
Loyola University’s Alfie Norville Practice Facility has been awarded the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) GOLD certification for new construction. Designed by RDG Planning & Design, the Alfie Norville Practice Facility utilizes a green roof, permeable paving in the landscaping and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to create a cutting-edge, high-performance athletic complex. The facility’s green roof adds to the University’s already record number of green roofs and incorporates a partial Loyola Ramblers logo into the planting design.
“From the project’s inception, our design and construction teams leveraged an integrated delivery model to ensure the facility would enhance the campus’ sustainability goals,” said RDG Partner and Architect Sean Page, AIA, LEED AP. “The Alfie is simultaneously one of the best athletic complexes in the Missouri Valley Conference and one of the most sustainable practice facilities on one of the most eco-friendly college campuses in the country.”
The LEED Gold rating system is a globally recognized symbol of sustainable achievement and leadership and provides a framework for healthy, high-efficient and cost-saving green facilities. Buildings are analyzed and then awarded credits across multiple categories including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources and indoor air quality. Loyola’s Alfie Practice Center earned 63 points to achieve LEED Gold Certification. Reflective of Loyola’s focus on sustainability, the facility has already been honored as a USG NACDA Sustainability Award Winner in 2019.
“Achieving LEED Gold certification exceeds our original goals for the facility,” said Peter Schlecht assistant vice president for campus planning at Loyola. “Thanks to a collaborative partnership with RDG and strong communication around the University’s expectations, we have a building that not only fills a critical need for our student-athletes but also contributes to Loyola’s critical sustainability mission.”