Yale University’s Class of 1954 Chemistry Research Center (CRB) is a new laboratory building, part of the development of Science Hill. Construction was completed in 2005 and it achieved a LEED-NC Silver rating in 2006. Yale selected this as its pilot LEED project to serve as a proving ground for many energy, water, and resource efficiency strategies applicable to practically any other campus building type.

Sustainable Site
Located on a former asphalt parking lot and the foundation of a 2-story house that was moved to Edwards Street, the CRB is designed and landscaped to restore the site with water-efficient planting and drainage to minimize stormwater runoff which filtered on site, ensuring that the project does not add water to the municipal storm water system. The building uses with reflective roofing materials to reduce its urban heat-island effect.

Water
To conserve potable water, the condensate from the air conditioning system is stored and used to irrigate the landscape. Distilled water, a by-product of the reverse osmosis system needed for research processes, is used for toilet flush water. All faucets and toilets are ultra-low flow fixtures, adding up to a facility that uses about 40% less water than required by code.

Energy
The CRB consumes 20% less energy than expected for a high-intensity laboratory building due to several innovations. The building is designed to provide generous daylighting, supplemented by a very energy-efficient lighting system. The ventilation system uses a strategy that draws fresh air into offices, transfers it to the labs, then exhausts it through high- efficiency, dual-sash fume hoods with heat exchangers to harvest otherwise wasted energy. Occupancy sensors to turn off lighting and minimize air flow when spaces are vacant. Using computer energy modeling and full system commissioning, Yale has ensured that this building will operate properly to provide substantial annual energy usage and cost savings

Materials
Environmentally-preferable construction materials were carefully selected and specified. This ranges from recycled-content steel, masonry, wallboard, flooring, and ceiling tiles, to millwork and laboratory cabinetry made of wood from certified sustainable forests. Nearly 75% of all construction and demolition materials were recycled, including all of the excavated rock.

Indoor Environmental Quality
As a chemistry research facility, the indoor environmental quality of CRB was highly emphasized. Air quality is ensured by properly circulating ample fresh air at carefully designed velocities through the entire building. Chemicals are kept in specially secured and ventilated enclosures. Interior paints, sealants, and other finishes were specified for low volatile organic compound content to reduce material toxicity and potential for noxious odors. The visual environment is enhanced by ample windows for south facing offices and north facing labs, providing natural light as well as views to the outside for all occupants.