LEED Rating: Gold
LEED Rating System: LEED 4.1
Certification Date: Expected 2028
Address: 350 W 14th Street
Campus: IU Indianapolis
Medical Education and Research Building
Key Sustainable Design Features
Sustainable Sites
Built on a previously developed site, the Medical Education and Research Building demonstrates a commitment to sustainable site design. The building features a beige roofing membrane to minimize heat absorption and reduce the urban heat island effect. Thoughtful site planning increases environmental resiliency and promotes greater energy efficiency.
Location & Transportation
The building supports sustainable commuting by offering a dedicated bike storage room with ample capacity, as well as showers and changing facilities for commuters. Located near trails and public transportation options, including the Red Line, the building promotes alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, helping reduce vehicle miles traveled and supporting a healthier work environment.
34%better water efficiency compared to building’s baseline water usage due to efficient plumbing fixtures
84%diversion rate during contruction process. 1640 tons of material were diverted from the landfill
75%reduction in ventilation required when lecture halls and classrooms are unoccupied due to CO2 demand response controls
43%of occuped spaces use daylighting, providing natural light to support occupant well-being, reduce the need for artificial light, and lower energy consumption
Energy & Atmosphere
The building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems utilize a number of use reduction and heat recovery methods to reduce the building’s energy consumption.Examples include smart space scheduling, demand and occupancy sensing, airside heat recovery such as enthalpy wheels and refrigerant run-around loops, and waterside heat recovery utilizing steam condensate to pre-heat domestic hot water.The building also underwent significant commissioning of the HVAC systems and building envelope, to verify that they are implemented and functioning as designed to ensure long-term energy performance.
Designing for active occupants
The building supports sustainable commuting by offering a dedicated bike storage room with ample capacity, as well as showers and changing facilities for commuters. Located near trails and public transportation options, including the Red Line, the building promotes alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, helping reduce vehicle miles traveled and supporting a healthier work environment.
Integrative Process
The Medical Education and Research Building was designed using an integrative process, bringing architects, engineers, facility managers, and other key stakeholders together from the earliest planning stages. This collaborative approach prioritized energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality from the outset, helping the project achieve high-performance outcomes.
Indoor Environmental Quality
The building includes indoor air quality measures to promote a healthier environment for occupants. Features include 10-foot-long walk-off mats at building entrances to reduce the introduction of contaminants, increased air filtration for improved indoor air quality, and CO2 monitors to help maintainoptimal ventilation levels.
Materials & Resources
During the construction of the Medical Education and Research Building, the project team emphasized sustainable material and procurement practices. The project focused on diverting construction waste from the landfill through recycling and reuse. Additionally, the building incorporated low-emitting materials, such as paints, coatings, adhesives, flooring, etc., to help create a healthier indoor environment.