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The Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus is the first WIU-QC facility to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification.
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WIU-QC Achieves LEED Certification

October 29, 2013

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MOLINE, IL -- As the first new building in Phase I of the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities campus construction, the WIU-QC Riverfront Campus—which houses the School of Engineering; undergraduate classes in business and technology, human services and arts and sciences; and administrative offices—has another mark of distinction: being the first WIU-QC facility to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification.

The 60,000-square-foot facility on River Drive in Moline opened in January 2011 after nearly two years of construction. According to Bill Brewer, architect and director of facilities at WIU-QC, LEED is a nationally recognized accreditation process that helps building owners ensure they are constructing and operating sustainable facilities.

Certification is achieved by earning points for various sustainable-related initiatives based on the strict guidelines set by the U.S. Green Building Council during the design, construction and post-occupancy periods of a facility. In the case of the Riverfront Phase I building, examples of sustainable features include a geothermal heating and cooling system, energy-efficient lighting and controls, the usage of recycled building materials and finishes, a vegetative roof system and a 90 percent construction waste diversion from the landfill.

"Western has made a commitment to green building practices whenever it's feasible during a new construction project," Brewer said. "We're always targeting LEED Silver certification, and we're pleased to have achieved that credential for our first Riverfront Campus building."

For more information, contact Brewer at (309) 762-9481 or via email at WE-Brewer@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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