Eco-friendly science building opens doors

Sampson-Hoffland Laboratories is the newest building at Luther College, expanding the sciences from Valders Hall of Sciences to accommodate more students and improve learning environments.

The SHL solves numerous problems posed by Valders in recent years. Valders’ limited space, which prevented the science department from adding course sections, was cured by the spacious facilities in the SHL.

“We’ve been cramped for years,” said Tex Sordahl, professor of biology and head of the biology department. “There was not much room to operate.”

The SHL upgraded from the Valders heating system to recycled heat, which keeps temperatures constant within each classroom, creating optimal conditions for student experiments.

“We’re able to provide the students with a space that’s exciting to work in,” said Jack Hedstrom, professor of chemistry and head of the chemistry department.

The SHL has several “green” features, which aim to conserve natural resources as efficiently as possible.

Its focus on energy efficiency and the environment earned it silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the second highest rating possible.

“I like the design a lot,” said Alyse Carlson (’11). “It’s very environmentally friendly.”

The SHL’s green features are copious and can be found in and around the building. To prevent runoff rainwater from flowing into storm sewers, the SHL site directs water to a nearby garden with plants with deep roots to aid in the water’s absorption, restoring the local water table.

Occupancy sensors hang from the ceiling of every room. If a classroom is empty, the sensor automatically shuts off all lights and reduces the room’s airflow to increase energy conservation.

Toilets offer two flush settings, one for liquids and one for solids so that water may be preserved. Low-emissivity glass traps the sun’s heat within the building during the winter and reflects heat away in the summer.

“I’m a big fan of the green features. [Luther] took the time to be environmentally conscious,” said Spencer Knapp (’09).

The SHL’s eco-friendly focus also played a crucial role in the building’s construction. Twenty percent of the building is made from recycled material and most of the waste from demolition was redirected to other sources to reuse supplies. Luther invests in Renewable Energy Certificates known as Green Tags. Each certificate represents one megawatt-hour of electricity produced from renewable sources. Luther has accumulated enough to power the entire building.

More features are yet to come in the SHL. A “living” roof will be planted on top of the SHL and Valders, spreading over the buildings to occlude heat from the sun and reduce rainwater runoff. This roof, along with newly dedicated outdoor air system, will reduce air conditioning needs and save around twenty to twenty five percent of energy.

The Sampson Hoffland Laboratories represents, in many ways, the future of environmentally-friendly design. A dedication ceremony will take place October 3rd as part of Homecoming weekend to honor this new addition to Luther College and pay tribute to its innovation.

Its focus on energy efficiency and the environment earned it silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the second highest rating possible.

“I like the design a lot,” said Alyse Carlson (‘11). “It’s very environmentally friendly.

”The SHL’s green features are copious and can be found in and around the building. To prevent runoff rainwater from flowing into storm sewers, the SHL site directs water to a nearby garden with deep-rooted plants to aid in the water’s absorption, restoring the local water table.

Occupancy sensors hang from the ceiling of every room. If a classroom is empty, the sensor automatically shuts off all lights and reduces the room’s airflow to increase energy conservation.

Toilets offer two flush settings, one for liquids and one for solids, so that water may be preserved. Low-emissivity glass traps the sun’s heat within the building during the winter and reflects heat in the summer.

“I’m a big fan of the green features. [Luther] took the time to be environmentally conscious,” said Spencer Knapp (‘09).

The SHL’s eco-friendly focus also played a crucial role in the building’s construction. Twenty percent of the building is made from recycled material and most of the waste from demolition was redirected to other sources to reuse supplies.

Luther invests in Renewable Energy Certificates known as Green Tags. Each certificate represents one megawatt-hour of electricity produced from renewable sources. Luther has accumulated enough to power the entire building.

More features are yet to come in the SHL. A “living” roof will be planted on top of the SHL and Valders, spreading over the buildings to occlude heat from the sun and reduce rainwater runoff. This roof, along with a newly installed outdoor air system, will reduce air conditioning needs and save 20 to 25 percent of energy.

The Sampson-Hoffland Laboratories represent, in many ways, the future of environmentally-friendly design. A dedication ceremony will take place Oct. 3rd as part of Homecoming weekend to honor this new addition to Luther College and pay tribute to its innovation.