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  4. STEPS Laboratory at Lehigh University

STEPS Laboratory at Lehigh University

The STEPS Building houses Lehigh University's innovative new Science, Technology, Environment, Policy and Society program, which integrates the sciences, environmental studies, engineering and the social sciences. The facility incorporates a number of sustainable features, including stormwater retention and a highly insulated building envelope, which helped it achieve LEED Gold.

 

Location

  • Bethelehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Project Status

  • Completed

Sustainable Practice for Integrated Design

The multi-storied, 135,000-square-foot facility is located at the corner of Packer Avenue and Vine Street on the main Asa Packer Campus. The design team introduced technological and sustainable practices to achieve a fully integrated design. A substantial green roof on the one-story wing reduces heat and allows storm water retention. A highly insulated building envelope maximizes energy efficiency. Glass is low E, fritted and tinted depending on orientation; air-handling units are right-sized to conserve energy and lower fuel and operating costs.

Additional strategies include radiant heat, industrial low-speed fans and a building management system to track energy usage. The building's chase and shaft arrangement assures flexibility for repurposing as needed. Day-lighting strategies for light penetration, glare reduction and visual comfort contribute to a superior interior environment. To improve indoor air quality, the architects used natural materials, low- and zero-VOC products and applied high ventilation standards.

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