Arizona State University's Former Nursing Building Undergoes Green Renovation

It is fitting that the Arizona State University (ASU) Global Institute of Sustainability and newly formed School of Sustainability - the first in the United States to offer transdisciplinary degree programs that explore and advance practical solutions to environmental, economic and social challenges - should be housed in a sustainably designed facility.

However, that was easier envisioned than achieved, considering that these two entities are located in a once-dreary building designed in 1965.

Although ASU's original budget of $3 million for the renovation of its former Nursing Building allowed primarily for asbestos abatement; upgrading the fire and life safety, HVAC and lighting systems; and making the elevators, stairways and restrooms ADA compliant, university officials envisioned more.

So when an additional $3 million became available from ASU's capital budget, architects from the team of Lord, Aeck & Sargent and Gould Evans Associates collaborated to create a building that would celebrate responsible design - both inside and out - as visible proof of the Institute's mission.

The result is the transformation of a dark, vintage 1960s-era structure with cavernous hallways into a bright, open, eco-friendly facility that is targeting silver-level LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The building is anticipated to save 18.7 percent on energy use and 50.3 percent on water use compared with the original building's baseline usage.