OGDEN — What’s brick and white and green all over?
That would be Ogden-Weber Tech’s Samuel H. and Marian K. Barker Health Technology Building, recently awarded a Gold LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council.
The 88,000-square-foot facility, designed by GSBS Architects and built by Okland Construction, opened in June 2011.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification is based on the building’s energy usage, carbon dioxide emission, efficient water use, indoor environmental quality and the effect of its employment of resources.
“We greatly appreciate the vision of GSBS Architects and Okland Construction that resulted in a beautiful, functional facility that met a higher standard for sustainability while staying within budget,” said Collette Mercier, president of Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College.
Factors that helped the Barker Building earn such a high LEED rating include: water efficiency due to low-flow fixtures; heat efficiency; good insulation; a storm water control system; use of regional construction materials; minimal infiltration by air (low draftiness); closeness to homes, businesses and public transportation; designated parking for fuel-efficient vehicles; use of materials with minimal volatile organic compounds; and a highly efficient, easily controlled electrical system.
Another factor is how pleasing the building is for occupants, said Clio Rayner, GSBS project architect.
The building was designed to be airy and light, with lots of windows featuring spectacular mountain views. Halls are wide, and stairways are open. Interior gardens feature low-maintenance potted plants surrounded by jagged landscaping gravel.
Engineering News-Record recently listed GSBS Architects among its Top 100 Green Design Firms in the United States.
“This recognition validates our commitment to sustainability in architecture,” Rayner said. “We have seen an evolution in the field of sustainable architecture practices over the last 10 years with the emphasis on sustainable design shifting from being ‘environmentally friendly’ to ‘real, measurable efficiency.’ ”
The Barker Family Health Technology Building houses all college health care programs, including dental or medical assisting, nurse assistant, medical coder or transcription, pharmacy technician, practical nursing and medical or dental office administration.
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