The University of San Diego’s new 55,000-square-foot Student Life Pavilion is seeking the campus’ first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Its distinctive Spanish Renaissance design belies the many modern environmentally friendly features contained within. “Green” features of the pavilion include natural ventilation with windows that open and an inner courtyard to promote air flow; the use of recyclable or recycled materials such as carpeting; a 40 percent reduction in water usage by low-flow water fixtures and low-water plantings on the rooftop offering panoramic views of Mission Bay and Tecolote Canyon. The building also has centralized AMX IT control to monitor energy use. The university is applying for the gold level of LEED certification. Sustainability efforts throughout the facility include rooftop herb and vegetable gardens; the use of compostable flatware, cups and plates; 100 percent Styrofoam-free, tray-less eateries and offerings of organic, Fair Trade and local foods and beverages. Additionally, the building is home to the first BioHitech system on a college campus. This system breaks down excess food scraps and converts it into water.

Project Information

Project Address: 

5998 Alcala Park SD 92110

Project Owner/ Developer: 

University of San Diego

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

harman@sandiego.edu

Project Architect/ Designer: 

The architect is Kevin Hom + Andrew Goldman Architects/New York and Architects Mosher Drew Watson Ferguson/San Diego, and the general contractor is Rudolph and Sletten.

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