Forum focuses on turning Purdue 'green'
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 01/23/2008
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Purdue is already behind in the Green Revolution according to Luke Leising, a certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design architect.
Leising and Tim Jensen, both of American Structure Point, a design firm, spoke in Lynn hall Tuesday evening about green buildings and sustainability. Leising said Ball State recently became LEED certified. LEED is a measurable system for certifying the environmental efficiency of design, construction and operations in the building industry. Purdue's efforts to become a leader of green building initiatives was one of the comments highlighted in the strategic plan open forums.
Thomas Kesler, a staff member in Young Hall, said he believed Purdue is progressing.
"I hope to see more green buildings on campus. Any step is good," he said. Kesler also attended the forum as a homeowner.
"We are looking for ways to incorporate sustainability in our lives," he said. Kesler wanted audience members to take away a sense of concern for the next generation and to be aware of a growing national standard.
LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and examines five areas of construction: site planning, indoor environment quality, material use, waste management and water management.
Leising and Jensen are both LEED accredited professionals. They said becoming accredited is valuable to any resume.
Leising also said ordinary students can be environmentally conscious: "Buy fluorescent bulbs, recycle, use less energy."
Information about becoming a LEED accredited professional can be found at www.usgbc.org.