Happy Earth Day!

main stairwell of the keck center

Dynamic glass in the stairwell controls light intensity.

Our students show their commitment to environmental issues and sustainability every day, from participation in clubs like Net Zero Chapman and Mission Environment to working for Chapman’s Office of Sustainability. One of our newest buildings on campus, the Keck Center for Science and Engineering, reflects this value of our student body. As the biggest building on campus, the University wanted to ensure that it does not have a negative effect on the environment. 

As a LEED Gold equivalent building, the Keck Center has a number of features that decrease its environmental impact. Check out the list below to learn more about how Schmid College and Fowler School of Engineering are committed to sustainability! 

  • Planters on the 3rd floor filter water down to the greenery at street level for water-use efficiency
  • Active glass in the stairwell dynamically controls the light intensity, so we don’t have to cool the stairwell
  • Chilled beam cooling is used in more than 65% of the building, as opposed to the more costly and far less efficient HVAC forced air system
  • Recycled materials are used throughout the building – this includes the carpets, the wood-like materials in the Sodaro Archway, and more! 

Fun Fact: The wood-like material in the Sodaro Archway is called Resysta, which comes from rice husks.

  • Special coatings on the windows prevent birds from becoming confused and crashing into the glass, reducing bird fatalities 
  • 4 recycling/compost stations 

Are you interested in learning more about or getting involved in sustainability initiatives on campus? Click here to find out more about Chapman’s commitment to the environment!  

3rd floor patio of Keck Center

Planters on 3rd floor collect water and filter down to ground-level plants for water-use efficiency

Photos courtesy of AC Martin Architects