Building is the first Fitwel-certified higher education project in Tennessee
The U.S. Green Building Council recently awarded Belmont’s Jack C. Massey Center with LEED Silver and Fitwel one-star certifications, the University announced today, marking a significant milestone in the University's ongoing commitment to sustainability and occupant well-being.
The Massey Center, which opened its doors in August 2023, is named in honor of the visionary entrepreneur and businessman, Jack C. Massey, who is also the namesake for Belmont’s Jack C. Massey College of Business. The six-story building, located on 15th Avenue and fondly known as Belmont’s front door, serves multiple functions, including housing the University's Admissions Welcome Center, the Belmont Data Collaborative and the Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship. The building's design emphasizes collaboration, innovation and sustainability.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification recognizes the Massey Center's sustainable design and construction practices and highlights the building's energy efficiency, water conservation and use of environmentally friendly materials.
"These certifications underscore our continued dedication to sustainability, but also promote the health and productivity of our community," said David Minnigan, architect in residence at Belmont. “The Jack C. Massey Center exemplifies our vision for creating spaces that inspire collaboration, innovation and well-being. "From its cutting-edge sustainability features to its wellness-focused design, this building sets a new standard for educational facilities.”
Key sustainable features of the Jack C. Massey Center include:
- Water Efficiency: High-efficiency plumbing fixtures are expected to save over 261,750 gallons of water annually compared to code-compliant fixtures.
- Energy Efficiency: The building is designed to achieve an estimated 26% annual energy cost savings, utilizing LED lighting and undergoing rigorous commissioning.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Over 51% of workspaces have access to exterior views, including native plantings and green roof terraces. Low VOC materials were used throughout to ensure excellent indoor air quality.
- Waste Management: Over 50% of construction waste was recycled, diverting 3,980 cubic yards from landfills.
- Site Design: With a Walk Score of 80, the location promotes walkability and access to community services. Over 34% of the site is protected as open space.
The Fitwel one-star certification, developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and General Services Administration, is a first for the University and is the first higher education project in Tennessee to receive the recognition. This certification acknowledges the Massey Center's focus on occupant health and well-being, considering factors such as indoor air quality, access to healthy food options and the promotion of physical activity. Notable wellness features include:
- Prominent, open staircases with exterior views to encourage physical activity
- Free ADA accessible water bottle filling stations on every floor
- Active sit-to-stand workstations in all offices to reduce sedentary time
- Recycling areas throughout the building
“We are thrilled that Belmont continued to emphasize sustainability and wellness on campus,” says Hannah Walter, senior sustainability consultant with SSR-CX, LEED consultants and commissioning agent. “Having partnered with Belmont over the years, we have seen an extraordinary commitment to the stewardship towards buildings, landscape and the wellbeing of the people within the University.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system, providing a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation.