College of Charleston's

Campus Sustainability

What techniques were implemented?

What were the results?
       Energy use
       Waste reduction

Who was involved?

Greenbuilding Poster

**NEW FEATURE**:

Take a tour of the Greenbuilding:

Audio recording

Transcribed tour

Green building is a term that refers to the collection of land-use, building design and construction strategies that reduce harmful effects on the environment. Its benefits include reduced energy costs, protection of natural systems, and better occupant health (US Green Building Councill, 2002). College campuses across the country are utilizing green building strategies to promote sustainability.

This project will be the first attempt on the College of Charleston campus to employ green building practices in one of its historic buildings. It aims to determine the most cost-effective green building techniques for buildings on campus, measure the before and after effects of the implementation of green building practices, and then use this information in teaching, outreach, and research activities for the students and faculty of the College of Charleston and throughout the community. The current research is being done by a research team of faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students.

For the project, the department of political science building at 114 Wentworth street, is being utilized as a laboratory and model for the other buildings on campus. Since 64 of the 114 buildings on campus are pre-1900 construction, the information gained by this study will be a useful guide for future construction and renovation activities on campus.

This research project is being funded by the Sustainable Universities Initiative. Additional student research support is being provided by the College of Charleston's Master of Environmental Studies Graduate Program, Department of Political Science, and the Environmental Studies Undergraduate Minor.