Edward P. Evans Hall Receives LEED Gold Certification from U.S. Green Building Council

Edward P. Evans Hall, Yale SOM’s campus, has received a Gold rating under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

The rating, the program’s second-highest, reflects the building’s approach in areas such as energy use, use of materials, water efficiency, and environmental impact. Evans Hall, designed by Foster + Partners, opened in January 2014.

Energy Efficiency

Evans Hall is heated and cooled through convective air flow, employing chilled beams, radiant floor systems, and variable-speed-drive fans for maximum efficiency. Energy consumption is further reduced through high-performance windows, interior and exterior solar shading, rooftop solar panels, a reflective white roof, additional insulation, LED lighting, and daylight-controlled lighting.  

Indoor Environmental Quality

Evans Hall was constructed with adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and flooring systems with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Carbon dioxide sensors adjust circulation of fresh air as needed for the number of people in each space.

Materials

More than half of the wood in Evans Hall is FSC certified as having been harvested, processed, and manufactured using sustainable forestry practices. More than 85% of debris from the construction and demolition process was diverted from the municipal solid waste stream. Twenty-one percent of building materials were recycled, and more than 20% were extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of Evans Hall.

Water Efficiency

Evans Hall contains high-efficiency shower heads, urinals, and toilets, reducing indoor water consumption by 31%. No potable water is used for irrigation; landscaping makes use of captured rainwater, hydrozoning, low-flow irrigation, and advanced irrigation controls.

Transportation

Evans Hall provides covered parking for 104 bicycles and seven electric vehicle charging stations.