Opened in fall 2008, the Science Building consolidates all science disciplines taught at Eastern Connecticut State University into one facility. The building houses the departments of Biology, Math and Computer Science, Environmental Earth Science, and Physical Science, as well as the Institute for Sustainable Energy. It includes general-purpose classrooms, laboratories, a greenhouse, a large resource room, and a 150-seat lecture hall with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. All labs and classrooms are fitted out with the latest lab systems and equipment and has a state of the art data center. The building also provides spaces on each floor where students can study and work collaboratively.
Building systems and construction materials were designed to minimize energy use and the impact on natural resources in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accreditation System. The building meets the Silver rating of the USGBC LEED. Technologies used to minimize energy usage include day-lighting, a 440 KW fuel cell, a grey water system, chilled beams for cooling office space, and variable speed drives on hoods to maximize energy efficiency. The building site also was designed to reduce the impact on the environment and includes a bioswale to limit the amount of storm water runoff. The building was also designed to be flexible in order to accommodate the changing needs of sciences over the life of the building.
With more than 173,000 square feet across six floors, Eastern’s Science Building provides a modern space for excellent science instruction, enhances student-faculty research, and serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary studies.
