Project Overview
Wilmington College’s Center for the Sciences and Agriculture was awarded LEED® Gold in September of 2018. The project includes 34,000 square feet of renovated space as well as a 13,500 square foot addition. Originally constructed in 1958, the renovated and expanded building now includes 10 classrooms, 10 laboratories, three research labs, two large lecture halls and 30 offices. Emerald Built Environments joined the team to provide guidance through the LEED Certification process. Although the project was only expected to earn LEED Silver, the Center for the Sciences and Agriculture earned LEED Gold. To tighten the building envelope, all insulation was replaced, all walls resealed, and the roof was completely replaced with one that provides improved insulation as well as weather tightness and surface reflectance. The facade of the building was replaced with an energy efficient curtain wall system. Also adding to the energy efficiency of the building are the LED lighting fixtures used throughout the project. The low-flush toilets and urinals as well as low-flow faucets with metering (auto-shut off) reduced building water use well below baseline levels. While the project included a substantial renovation and addition, almost all the existing walls and floors were reused in the renovated building. Taking advantage of the large green space behind the building, site work included an outdoor gathering space for students, of which there are few other options on campus.
