Green buildings
Furman is committed to green building, both in new projects and existing buildings. In 2003, Herman Hipp Hall was the first LEED-certified building in South Carolina. Since then, all major construction projects on Furman’s campus have followed LEED standards. We’ve also implemented energy efficiency projects in existing buildings, including a recommissioning program for all buildings, beginning with Riley Hall. This recommissioning program ensures all our existing buildings are using only as much energy as necessary. Engineers and outside testing companies will evaluate and test the buildings’ heating and air conditioning systems to make sure they’re working as efficiently as possible. They’ll also test and repair the Building Automation Systems, which adjust the climate and lighting according to when the building is being used. Our green buildings include:
Charles H. Townes Science Center
The Townes Science Center incorporates an array of renewable energy components, including a solar/aquatic waste water treatment system, two hybrid solar concentrators, daylighting, energy recovery wheels, and a sophisticated chilled-beam cooling system for thermal efficiency. These high performance facilities are more than just classrooms; they provide learning and research opportunities for students. The features in this building earned it LEED Gold certification.
Herman W. Lay Physical Activities Center
Since the late 1970s, the roof of this LEED Silver-certified building has been home to a large solar thermal system that generates hot water for the building. The roof also holds a 95 kW solar photovoltaic array, which quadruples the university’s capacity for renewable energy generation. And the green technology doesn’t stop outside the building. The elliptical machines are equipped with
ReRev technology, which harnesses energy that would otherwise be lost to heat.
Hipp Hall
Built with a radiant energy barrier and green materials like fly ash concrete, Hipp Hall isn't just South Carolina’s first LEED building. It's the first Gold-certified structure in the state. It features carbon dioxide monitors that can adjust air flow based on the building’s occupancy.
Thomas Spann Farmer Hall
Home to Furman’s Development office, this was the fourth building on campus to receive a LEED certification.
Shi Center
Originally built as
Southern Living Magazine’s model sustainable home, the cottage has housed the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability since 2010. The LEED Gold-certified cottage was built using as many local and sustainable materials as possible. It was also built with energy efficient measures and photovoltaic panels, which generate 31kW of solar power.
James Buchanan Duke Library
Our LEED Gold-certified building is constructed with fly ash, a by-product of coal burning. Fly ash reduces the amount of cement required in the concrete, which reduces the demand for high-energy consumption cement production. Inside the building, the reading rooms are equipped with photo sensors to measure available daylight and control when the overhead lights should turn on.
James C. Furman Hall
Home to classrooms, administrative offices, new student reception and the president’s office, this building was built to LEED standards.
Younts Conference Center
A popular venue for both weddings and large meetings, this building was built to LEED standards.