The US Green Building Council has awarded the Knight Management Center located at the Stanford Graduate School of Business with the LEED Platinum rating for the facility’s environmental sustainability. The Knight Management Center is spread across 360,000 sq.ft and is filled with natural light.
Inside the Knight Management Center
During its accreditation, the Knight Management Center was awarded with 60 points, qualifying it for the LEED Platinum version 2.2 rating. The high sustainability rating was attributed to the green aspects of the facility including landscape and building design as well optimized water and energy use. Sliding glass doors, floor-to-ceiling glass and narrow classroom dimensions ensured maximum utilization of daylight and minimal dependency on electric lighting. Further emphasis on energy efficiency was ensured by using photovoltaic panels, under-floor air distribution systems, radiant floors, active chilled beams, operable windows with night flush capabilities, rooftop mechanical units for heat recovery, sun shades and trellises. The photovoltaic panels harvest solar energy required to power 12.5% of the facility’s yearly energy demand. During the summer months, night flushing systems ensure that the hot air is released and cool air is drawn in.
The Knight Management Center uses re-circulated rainwater or grey water to reduce dependency on potable water by 80%. Low flow fixtures ensure less wastage and reduced use of water.
Since asphalt parking lots leads to “heat island” effect, causing an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and heat-related mortality and illness in addition to increased energy consumption, parking for 870 cars has been designated underground, dedicating 50% of the site to open space.
Source: http://www.gsb.stanford.edu