Building a Greener Future

Stand nearly anywhere in the 275,000-square-foot French Family Science Center, and you get an outdoor view.

That's one of many eco-friendly features that make this new Duke building a contender for the silver rating in the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. A national benchmark, LEED promotes sustainability by recognizing environmentally responsible site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

"It shows that you're a responsible designer, responsible contractor and responsible owner, and that you care about the quality of life of the inhabitants of your building," said Peter Romeyn, a Facilities Management Department project manager who helped oversee design and construction.

The $115 million French Family Science Center, tucked between the Biological Sciences and Physics buildings, opened in December after two and a half years of construction. It brings research and teaching of biology, chemistry and physics and other departments under one roof.

Its appeal stretches beyond the oversized windows and grand views.

Duke included other sustainable attributes in this bright and airy building such as two green roofs, waterless urinals, recycled and regional materials, soil conservation and relocation of existing trees and plants. The green roofs stretch over the lecture hall and biology labs. Comprised of vegetation, soil, gravel and water-tight insulation, they reduce water runoff and keep the building cool. The building also includes other energy saving features -- all windows have exterior reflectors that direct sunlight into the space.

The grassy Science Terrace, which resembles an amphitheater, is outdoor space for studying, lunch or a break. And if you need to meet someone in the building, tell them, "Meet me under the moon." That's the large round architectural accent in the ceiling.

The French Family Science Center By the Numbers

157 -- Chemistry, biology and physics labs

59,000 -- Square feet of carpet with recycled content

15,000 -- Square feet of "green roof"

275 -- Energy efficient windows

800,000 -- Bricks

11,238 -- Fire sprinkler heads

305,600 -- Feet of plumbing, lab and utility pipe

590-- Miles of cable and electric wire

$520,000 -- Cost of wood harvested in a sustainable manner such as from forests where new trees are replanted. This represents 94 percent of all new wood in the building.

2 million-- Gallons of water saved annually from 50 waterless urinals