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Nelson Hall computer lab redesign showcases NC State’s sustainable building initiative

Energy-efficient lighting and equipment: check.

Recyclable and recycled materials: check.

These are among the sustainable building practices that were incorporated into this past summer’s renovation of the Poole College of Management’s two computer teaching labs located in the basement of Nelson Hall on NC State University’s main campus.

The computer labs, in B410 and B400, were renovated to fit a new format for teaching the college’s undergraduate information systems (IS) course. Previously, students learned IS theory through large lecture classes presented in the Nelson Auditorium. They then applied what they heard to homework assignments afterwards.

Matching form to function

Poole College’s leadership team realized that, while efficient, the large class format wasn’t fostering the desired student outcomes – most importantly, an applied learning experience – that they wanted for the college’s students, so they restructured the class. Now, students review background information before coming to class, leaving the majority of their class time for applied, hands-on learning that has them completing IS-assisted problem-solving and analyses during class. Exercises include building their own website; using artificial neural networks, cluster analysis and queuing theory for business analytics exercises; and watching a cyber attack – a hacking effort – unfold directly on their computer screens.

“This kind of experience simply was not possible when the course was taught in a large auditorium,” said Dr. Neal Parker, teaching assistant professor in the Department of Business Management and instructor of the course.

Aligned with sustainability standards

The new learning environment is aligned with another key area of emphasis in Poole College and across NC State: sustainability.

“The Nelson computer labs renovation project followed campus sustainability standards for construction and renovations. It’s a process the University Design and Construction Services team uses campus-wide," said Liz Bowen, Green Development coordinator for the NC State Sustainability Office. Also updated was the walk-in computer lab with 39 computer stations that is available for all Poole College students. That lab is in room B411 of Nelson Hall.

“Pursuing sustainability is important to current and prospective NC State University students, their future employers and our donors,” she said. “NC State is determined to meet sustainability goals through improving our facilities and operations and involving students in real-world campus projects. Sustainability requires us to think beyond pure economics, and to consider social and environmental impacts in order to preserve quality of life for future generations,” Bowen said.

One important part of Bowen’s role is to help project managers integrate sustainability in smaller campus construction projects, such as the Nelson computer labs redesign.

NC State’s physical environment is one of the most visible ways the university showcases its commitment to sustainability. To ensure campus buildings are designed and constructed sustainably, the university has committed that all new construction and major renovations over 20,000 square feet are, at minimum, LEED Silver certified.

Following a ‘Green Building Checklist’

Each smaller project has a “Green Building Checklist” which includes prerequisites such as ensuring that all electronics are recycled or reused, that measures are taken to improve air quality in the space, and that at least 50% of construction and demolition waste is diverted from the landfill. These procedures help NC State achieve its larger sustainability goals such as diverting 65 percent of campus waste from landfills by 2015. In 2012, the university was well on its way, when 47 percent of campus waste was diverted.

The Nelson computer labs project followed a number of these sustainable design practices.

  • The worn, old carpet was replaced with new carpet tiles that can be removed individually for cleaning or replacement, lengthening the life of the flooring.
  • The computer desks are made from recycled content, regional materials, renewable materials and certified wood. The desks are assembled with low VOC materials, which safeguard the indoor air quality. The materials and designs were selected so that the desks can be easily disassembled and separated for local recycling facilities at the end of their useful life.
  • Nearly all finish materials including paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, furniture, and lighting have a green or sustainable certification.

The low ceiling in the basement computer lab rooms provided an architectural challenge that was resolved by building in energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the room. The result is a basement room that feels like it is lit with natural daylight, with increased energy efficiency, said Angela Lord, classroom program manager in the university’s construction services office and manager for the computer lab renovation project.

With energy and water accounting for more than $30 million in annual costs for NC State, energy management efforts are vital to minimizing costs, saving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, she said. The NC State University Sustainability Office estimates that such energy management efforts save NC State $10 million per year in avoided utility costs.

Productive, sustainable learning and teaching environment

“I think the teaching computer labs now provide a much more inviting, productive learning and teaching environment, and they are sustainable,” Lord said.

“We always try to provide comfortable, well-lit spaces that enhance students’ learning experiences,” she said. “We also are aware that students appreciate our use of sustainable materials, and we appreciate the opportunity to let them know about our material decisions and how they contribute to energy savings and waste reduction,” Lord said.

The university’s Facilities Division, including Capital Projects Management, Design and Construction Services, Facilities Operations and the University Architect’s Office all have roles in integrating sustainability into building construction, operation and modification. Sustainability is embedded in the university’s Physical Master Plan and University Construction Guidelines. NC State’s campus is a learning and living laboratory of sustainable transformation from major developments like the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, which is LEED Silver certified, to smaller renovation projects like the Nelson computer labs.

About Poole College’s Sustainability Initiative

When Poole College was named in 2010, Dean Ira Weiss made a commitment to establish a center of excellence in sustainability within the college. In August 2013, the college announced the launch of its Sustainability Initiative, with Jessica Thomas as director.

Learn more about the Poole College Sustainability Initiative

Photo: Dr. Neal Parker teaches Information Systems in the renovated Nelson Hall computer labs.