Indiana University's new Global and International Studies Building earns LEED Gold certification
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design has awarded Indiana University with LEED Gold certification for its new Global and International Studies Building. The LEED Gold certification is the second-highest rating available in the green building certification program.
“LEED Gold certification for the new Global and International Studies Building reinforces Indiana University’s commitment to efficient and environmentally conscious design and operation as called for in IU's Bicentennial Strategic Plan,” said Vice President for Capital Planning and Facilities Tom Morrison. “The Global and International Studies Building's prominent location on the Bloomington campus showcases our efforts to blend our campus architecture with green building methods and technology to create a beautiful, functional and energy-efficient facility.”
The Global and International Studies Building opened in August, hosting its first classes Aug. 23. It has 165,000 square feet, with instruction and collaboration space for more than 20 academic programs in eight departments. It is designed to play a vital role in the development of the School of Global and International Studies and its new programs as well as foster greater interdisciplinary collaboration between academic units previously spread across the IU Bloomington campus.
“We are proud that the many SGIS students studying the global consequences of climate change are doing so in an architecturally distinctive, high-tech and environmentally sustainable building,” said Lee A. Feinstein, founding dean of the School of Global and International Studies. “LEED certification for SGIS’ new home is in keeping with the remarks of Secretary of State John Kerry, when he came to campus last fall to inaugurate our new building, about the contribution diplomacy can make to preserving the health of our planet.”
The building features many energy-saving elements, including a design that brings natural light into even the innermost rooms. The lighting system in all rooms switches off when the room is not occupied. Likewise, the heating and air system adjusts according to building occupancy. Restrooms are equipped with high-efficiency toilets and sinks.
The Indiana University system has 15 LEED-certified buildings, more than any other Big Ten institution. Other LEED Gold-certified buildings include the Cyberinfrastructure Building at IU Bloomington, the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute at IUPUI and the Spruce Hall living center at IU Bloomington. A complete list of LEED-certified buildings is on the IU Office of Sustainability Green Building website.
Susan T. Rodriguez of Ennead Architects of New York designed the building, in association with Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf. Ennead (formerly Polshek Partnership) is the firm that designed the Newseum in Washington, D.C., and the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Ark. The Global and International Studies Building was funded entirely through university sources, with half of the funding coming from IU's Big Ten Network revenues, representing the largest-ever commitment from IU Athletics revenue to support the core academic mission of the university.
A signature feature of its three-story enclosed atrium and other building spaces is the "Stones of the World,” which includes stone from 10 countries on six continents as well as segments of Indiana limestone, connecting the state’s tradition to the university's global history. The Stones of the World cover the east wall of the atrium and are repeated throughout elements inside and outside the building, including the facades, stairways and elevators.
The Global and International Studies Building has already hosted significant events on the campus. Kerry keynoted a luncheon in the building’s atrium in October after delivering an address in the IU Auditorium to help formally dedicate the building. Grammy Award-winning musician Yo-Yo Ma performed with his ensemble and spoke to School of Global and International Studies students, faculty and staff in a special appearance in November.
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A signature feature of the Global and International Studies Building is the "Stones of the World."
The 165,000-square-foot building provides important new instruction and collaboration space for more than 20 academic programs in eight departments.
Media Contacts
Mark Land
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Chuck Carney
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