College of the Desert’s Nursing Building Renovation was recently certified LEED GOLD under the LEED NC2.2 rating system. The implementation of high performance design in the renovation project was critical because more than 70% of floorstock in the USA belongs to existing old buildings, according to the US Energy Information Agency. As the result, the building incorporates the following sustainable features:

–  Integrated design approach applied in the project to increase energy performance during the design.

–  Energy simulation shows that the project performs 43.4% above Title 24 2005, which is approximately more than 60% EUI reduction from CBECS 2003.

–  More than 75% of regularly occupied space receives daylight.

–  Lighting control for all classrooms.

–  Photovoltaic system that offsets more than 25% building energy usage.

–  20% of the total materials are from local and regional areas and the materials contain more than 10% recycled content.

–  Low emitting materials for adhesive and sealants, as well as paints and coatings.

–  Heat island effect is reduced with cool roof and light paving material.