WSU STEM Innovation Learning Center

Just over 116,000 square feet the WSU STEM Innovation Learning Center features flexible world-class labs and classrooms with low-emitting material furniture, water-efficient fixtures for indoors and outdoors, and gorgeous views, all while being able to achieve 91.66% building reuse. It is estimated that there is a 31% reduction in potable water through indoor plumbing fixtures, from a baseline of installations such as; 1.28 gallons per flush water closets, 0.125 gallons per flush urinals, 0.5 gallons per minute lavatories, and 1.75 gallons per minute shower heads. Outdoor water-use reduction techniques included using native plants and efficient irrigation which had an estimated 62% reduction of potable water use for irrigation. Estimated energy savings are 16% on total energy cost ($73,193 in annual savings), 37.5% on natural gas energy use, and 29.5% on district energy cooling energy use. 98% of existing walls were reused, 98% of existing roofs were reused, and 89% of existing floors were reused in this project. Waste management practices were used during construction and demolition which resulted in 58.5% of construction and demolition waste being diverted from landfills. For comfort and aesthetic purposes thermal and interior lighting controls were provided to private offices, touchdown spaces, conference, classroom, and collaboration areas. From within the building, 75% of regularly occupied spaces have access to views, with the best view arguably on the 7th floor where it is a collaborative space for students to use. On top of this, the STEM Innovation Learning Center achieved all 6 LEED Enhanced Commissioning points, a rare accomplishment for an existing building. 100% of paint, coatings, flooring, and wall panels were low-emitting materials and 85.12% of furniture used low-emitting materials. The building itself features low-mercury lighting and low-emitting materials during construction. Two credits are focused on education providing guided tours to highlight sustainable features such as the public compost bins, which you can find at least two on each floor. After being awarded LEED Gold for the STEM Innovation Learning Center, Wayne State University hosted a Plaque Reveal ceremony where all contributing parties, including construction company managers, university staff involved in the planning of the building, and USGBC leaders and members were present. The Plaque is placed on the wall right inside the main entrance off of Warren Avenue and is in the sightline of anyone who walks by.