Miami 122 www. bus- ex. com JANUARY 10 An ambitious and ongoing building program at the national recognition- and there could be more to Theflower

Miami University of Miami JANUARY 10 www. bus- ex. com 123 the University of Miami has received come, Ruari McCallion reports flowerof T here may be funding challenges in the current economic environment, but the University of Miami remains committed to a major program of renewal, regeneration and construction at its Coral Gables campus. The UM Fieldhouse opened in March 2009 and is located just by the University's Bank United Center at the Coral Gables campus. At 29,697 square feet, it's pretty big. It houses the basketball courts for the University basketball teams and is also equipped to assist and host other set- piece events, including commencement ceremonies. In October 2009, it was announced that the building had achieved LEED Gold designation, as established by the US Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute ( GBCI). The certification was awarded specifically for the Fieldhouse's energy, lighting, water and material use, as well as its incorporation of a number of other sustainability strategies. Among the features incorporated to deliver the strategies are high- efficiency plumbing fixtures, with hand sensors to reduce water use. The use of energy- efficient lighting, insulated glazing and high- efficiency air conditioning are aimed at reducing the building's energy cost, based on the Florida Energy Code. In its construction, the Fieldhouse is made of materials sourced from the region, processed and manufactured locally- and even these were used essentially where it wasn't possible to use recycled, refurbished, salvaged and reused materials, which also figure extensively in the building. High- reflectance materials can be found on the roof, which limits heat build- up and therefore reduces the load on the air conditioning plant. Paints, coatings and adhesives were selected for their low- emissions content and characteristics. Outside, moisture sensors help to cut the use of drinkable water in irrigation. Lighting systems throughout the building are motion- controlled, and drivers are encouraged to use low- emission and fuel- efficient vehicles by the provision of preferred parking spaces. The Fieldhouse is the latest manifestation of the University's " Green U" initiative, which it launched in 2005. Its commitment to a green strategy was emphasized when university president Donna E. Shalala signed the Talloires Declaration of the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future and the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007. Green U lays out the strategy whereby the University becomes more sustainable through the procurement of environmentally responsible products and the implementation and operation of environmentally sound maintenance and operations procedures for both existing and new buildings.