Hillman Library

Pursuing LEED Certification

Hillman Library is located in the heart of the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus and the largest of the University’s 17 libraries, with a collection primarily focused on the humanities and social sciences.

The 240,000 square foot building has been renovated over 4 phases.

The renovation includes a new light-filled atrium entrance, large study areas, group study rooms, a significantly expanded café with indoor and outdoor seating, a large digital interactive wall, an expanded Open Lab, an accessible ramp entrance on the Forbes Avenue side of the building, and more.

All phases of the renovation combined cover 250,000 square feet and the project is pursuing LEED Gold certification or better.

Green Building Highlights

  • Biophilic design, bringing nature & natural materials and colors indoors.
  • New efficient building lighting systems.
  • Replacement of all perimeter single-pane windows, improving insulation and energy efficiency.
  • Bird safe glass, helping birds avoid building.
  • Mechanical system upgrades, improving energy efficiency.
  • Reconfiguration of shelving units to facilitate compliance with accessibility requirements.
  • Abatement of asbestos fireproofing.
  • New accessible ramp off of Forbes Avenue.
  • New green roof patios.
  • 133.7 kW rooftop solar array, featuring 242 photovoltaic panels expected to produce nearly 169,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually (In Construction).

Architect: GBBN

Civil Engineer: Gateway Engineers

Mechanical Engineer: CJL Engineering

Construction Manager: PJ Dick

LEED Consultant: evolve environment::architecture

Solar Installer: EIS

Read more about the project: