The Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies has constructed a shining example of sustainable building and design: Kroon Hall.

The (relatively) new building, Kroon Hall, opened in 2009 and received a LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council the following year. In fact, with a LEED score of 59 points, it exceeded the requirements for Platinum certification by 7 points.

Kroon Hall was constructed by a “dream team” of architects and engineers and, by using 58 percent less energy than other buildings its size, falls right in line with Yale University’s sustainability mission. It uses various methods of sustainable building practices, ranging from passive solar design to a clever ventilation system within the building.

Kroon Hall is insulated with a 50 percent recycled concrete called blast slag. This, couple with the “energy-saving displacement ventilation system,” keeps the building at a controlled temperature while low-velocity fans in the basement keep warm and cool air (depending on the season) moving.

The light inside the building is mostly natural during the day, with a tall glass facade designed to bring in as much daylight as possible. Using light and occupancy sensors, the artificial lights are automatically dimmed as necessary, creating effortless conservation.

Lastly, a solar array on the roof of the building generates a quarter of the hall’s electricity needs. The panels of the 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system blend seamlessly with the exterior design.

Check out the slideshow available on Inhabit for more details and a look instead this truly stunning building:
Yale University’s LEED Platinum is a Model of Sustainable Architecture

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