IEB Green Features
- Certified LEED Gold
- Low E Windows (special film)
- Solar hot water heater
- Permeable soil DG
- VOC-free paint
- Low-flow/water saving toilets
- Shade structures on the building
- Many materials in the building, including carpet, are made of recycled materials and all are formaldehyde-free
- Exposed aggregate concrete floors provide a beautiful natural surface that simulates high-end terrazzo flooring. This finish requires less floor covering, like carpet or tile, to help reduce the carbon footprint.
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Since opening its doors for the Fall 2012 semester, the Integrated Education Building (IEB) has been turning heads, astonishing students, faculty and visitors alike. The building, which is now the largest building in the Maricopa Community College District, was recently featured in an ArchDaily article. Adding to its list of accolades, the building also has been selected as a finalist in the Buildings and Structures, Institutional Category of Valley Forward's Environmental Excellence Awards.
Known as the "Academy Awards" of the environmental community in Arizona, the event is the oldest and most prominent environmental competition of its kind in the state. The award focuses on Valley projects that demonstrate "a high level of environmental commitment," in the region.
"When we started working on the Integrated Education Building, we knew it needed to be sustainable, both environmentally and structurally, and it also needed to be a place where students actually wanted to stay to meet or study," said Janet Langley, vice president of Organizational Effectiveness at GateWay. "The project architects went above and beyond in ensuring we have a facility that also contributes to the overall sustainability of the region."
The IE Building, which was developed by SMITHGroup JJR and built by CORE Construction, was designed to achieve a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification but has been tracking for Gold due to many of its sustainable features.
An official grand opening for the building is scheduled for late October.
Winners of the Valley Forward award will be announced Sept. 29 at the 32nd Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Gala.