Green Giving: Anonymous $500k Gift Funds SOM/Academic Building Roof
An anonymous donor has given $500k towards the cost of a landscaped, environmentally-friendly rooftop terrace for the new SOM/Academic building. The gift was made in acknowledgement of the College’s continuing commitment to “green” its operations.
The open-air space will boast drought-resistant plantings and views of Boston’s skyline and the new, nature-filled quad on the Main Campus. It is angled to face the cupola that has been a symbol of Simmons for more than a century. Completion of the building, including the terrace, is slated for January 2009.
The five-story brick, limestone, and glass building will use 30% less water and 20% less energy than a similarly-sized conventional structure. For it, the College is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building will be evaluated on site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
There are five levels of LEED certification: Certified, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Only 25 buildings in Massachusetts are LEED Certified at the Silver level or higher. Simmons will join two Massachusetts higher education institutions with buildings certified at the Silver level or higher.