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Read much more about the Peggy Ryan Williams Center from the Ithaca College Press Release “Ithaca College To Formally Dedicate Peggy Ryan Williams Center” of September 30, 2009 here. Learn about Motherplants in The Greenroof Directory here and contact them for further project info.

This new building first opened its doors in 2009 and is now the home of Ithaca College’s senior administration, human resources, enrollment planning and admissions. In addition to offices, the 58,000-square-foot building features a large atrium overlooking Cayuga Lake and a multipurpose auditorium for admissions presentations to prospective students and their families. The Division of Graduate and Professional Studies is also headquartered in the Peggy Ryan Williams Center. The Peggy Ryan Williams Center was dedicated on October 8, 2009.Ithaca College Gateway Building, now known as Peggy Ryan Williams Center, wanted a vegetative roof area to replace land taken by the building and use rainwater harvesting to supply water to flush toilets. They are also trying to get Platinum LEED certification. If they do, they will be the only college in America with two LEED-certified buildings.

6,500 square feet of 4′ deep growing medium (engineered soil) was spread around the building. A variety of Sedums was used.

“The facility was designed by HOLT Architects to achieve platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the highest standard from the U.S. Green Building Council. Over 50% of the building?s energy comes from renewable sources, with a geothermal system using the Earth?s relatively consistent temperature to provide heating and cooling. Other sustainable features of the building include:

Nearly 6,500 square feet of vegetated roof area to replace land taken by the building, reducing airborne pollutants and adding oxygen to the atmosphere.
Natural convection ventilation that pre-cools the atrium at the start of each day by drawing cooler night air across a shade garden on the north side of the building and relieving it out the light monitor four stories above.
Sensors that control light fixtures and mechanical ventilation based on natural light levels and occupancy to reduce their use and conserve electricity.
A 12,000-gallon tank below the garden that collects rainwater from the roof, serving over 85% of the building?s yearly water needs,” (Ithaca College).

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