Sustainably-Built UCR Buildings

What buildings on the UCR campus have been built with sustainability in mind? Let’s discuss some of the sustainable features incorporated in UCR’s buildings.

UCR School of Medicine Research Building

UCR’s School of Medicine Research Building was the first building on campus to receive Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold. LEED is a worldwide green building certification system that encourages building with sustainability in mind. The School of Medicine Research Building at UCR utilizes passive chilled beams as a cooling system. This method allows for half the amount of average ventilation rates, reducing heating and cooling costs. The building also includes ceiling fans and LED lightbulbs, which are more energy efficient options.

Source: “UC Riverside School of Medicine Research Building.” Berkeley Best Practices Case Studies.

Source: “Building Operations.” UCR Sustainability.

Glen Mor 1 & 2

UCR’s on‑campus apartments, Glen Mor 1, was awarded with LEED Gold for LEED EBOM v2009, making them the first group certification for this award. Sustainable factors included in these buildings include ENERGY STAR appliances, which reduce water waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Glen Mor 1 also utilizes refurbished furniture and water efficient landscaping on the property. Glen Mor 2 was the second group certification, earning LEED Gold for LEED NCv2009. The phase of Glen Mor apartments was built to be economically, environmentally, socially sustainable and efficient. Along with all other UCR housing options, Glen Mor 1 & 2 utilize compact fluorescent lightbulbs and energy‑saving fluorescent lighting.

Source: “Sustainability: Energy Star Appliances.” UCR Housing Services.

Source: “Building Operations.” UCR Sustainability.

Source: “Sustainability: Lighting Fixtures.” UCR Housing Services.

Student Recreation

Center Expansion

UCR’s Student Recreation Center (SRC) added an expansion, including areas with new training rooms, a rock climbing wall, a pool, tennis courts, and more. This addition reduced potable water through efficient fixtures inside the expansion by 39% by utilizing buffalo grass rather than turf.

Source: “Building Operations.” UCR Sustainability.

UCR Bookstore

The UCR bookstore is one of the many ENERGY STAR certified buildings on campus. UCR’s Barnes and Noble utilizes ENERGY STAR appliances to limit greenhouse gas emissions and water waste, creating a more sustainable and efficient environment.

Source: “Building Operations.” UCR Sustainability.