WCU dorm gets LEED certification
Western Carolina University’s Harrill Residence Hall has become the university’s second building to be LEED-certified for its comprehensive energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features.
The building, a nine-story co-ed residence hall, was certified at the gold level, the second-highest eco-friendly rating possible. According to Galen May, university architect, the initial goal was a silver certification, so being certified at gold instead is an achievement.
“The standards at WCU are high in how we expect our buildings to perform,” said May. “The energy efficiencies and subsequent savings at Harrill Residence Hall that we are seeing now are a reflection of the quality expected as well as the desire to keep student costs down.”
Originally built in 1971, the 77,000-square-foot residence hall underwent a $15.5 million renovation completed in 2012 and features modern suites of rooms for 354 students, kitchenettes and living and gathering spaces, air-conditioning and a 6,000-square-foot addition with an upscale meeting venue.
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