Nursing & Health Sciences Building, Pitt Johnstown (LEED Gold, 2015)

Introduction

The Nursing & Health Sciences Building on the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnstown campus has laboratory and classroom space for Biology, Chemistry, and Nursing. Located at 450 Schoolhouse Road, the building includes 11 laboratories, six faculty offices, and two seminar classrooms spread over two floors. When built, it was the first academic building to be constructed on the campus in nearly two decades.

The 26,422 square foot building received its LEED Gold designation in 2015.

Green Building Highlights

  • Water efficient plumbing fixtures
  • Roof design reduces urban heat island effect.
  • The building has no landscape irrigation, thus reducing water use.
  • Recycled and regional materials were used in construction. 
  • Low emitting paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and flooring systems help create good indoor air quality.
  • 75% of construction and demolition waste was diverted from landfills to recycling or reuse.
  • Conveniently located near public transportation and encourages the use of low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles.
  • Upon opening, 35% of the building’s electricity usage was covered by a green power purchase for its first two years.