Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design
The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design is the first fully-certified Living Building Challenge project in the Southeast United States. Opening in 2019 and constructed through a gift from The Kendeda Fund, the building generates 150% of the energy needed to operate annually from rooftop solar. It consumes 75% less energy than the average US university building and features passive design strategies. Innovative water strategies include cisterns, rain gardens, and permeable pavers that virtually eliminate stormwater during normal rain events; a constructed wetland greywater treatment system; and composting toilets. All building materials avoid hazardous chemicals on the Red List, and 99.5% of construction waste was recycled or reused. In fact, it diverted more waste from the landfill than it sent by incorporating salvaged materials. Therefore, during construction the building achieved net-negative waste.
The Kendeda Building is a model for innovation, and its waste and circular economy systems incorporate the innovation mindset. The covered loading dock area serves as a hard to recycle station for campus, accepting electronics, plastic film, and foam. Throughout the building, waste stations incorporate plastics 1&2 recycling, mixed paper recycling, aluminum recycling, compost, and drawers for foam and plastic film. The building event guidelines require all event hosts to utilize reusable (preferred) dishware and compostable disposable dishware when reusable is not available. The building’s catering kitchen has a dishwasher to support reuse. Further, the building frequently hosts events, art installations, and student groups that emphasize sustainability and has an ongoing tour program led by student fellows.
“As a fully certified Living Building, The Kendeda Building diverted more waste from landfills than it produced during construction by incorporating salvaged materials. Our goal during operations was zero waste, but we knew it would be challenging. TRUE certification for zero waste is an important next step in advancing the regenerative mission of The Kendeda Building and demonstrating what’s possible.” – Shan Arora, Director, Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design
Additional information on the Kendeda Building:
Image credit: Georgia Institute of Technology