http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-964733.mp3
Macomb, IL – Rich Egger's guest is Ted Renner, who explains what it's been like to maintain and operate the LEED-certified "green" building at Western Illinois University.
Renner is Deputy Director of the Physical Plant at WIU. The university's "green" building is the Multi-Cultural Center, which opened a couple years ago.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Renner said sustainability practices were followed during construction of the Multi-Cultural Center and the completed building contains a number of "green" features.
Among other things, the building uses a geothermal heating/cooling system for improved energy efficiency, some of the flooring is made of re-purposed materials, and its vegetated roof helps absorb heat and sunlight.
Renner said there have been a few minor problems with the building but for the most part the operation and maintenance has gone smoothly. Renner said the early numbers have surpassed expectations and savings could prove to be greater than projected.
Renner said if the university asked for his recommendation, he would suggest constructing another "green" building. He said some energy saving components will be worked into the soon-to-be built Performing Arts Center.