St. Martin Hall Renovations Increase Building's Sustainability

SALISBURY, MD---As Salisbury University continues its five-year residence hall renovation plan, workers are looking at ways to make the current buildings more sustainable.

For instance, crews renovating St. Martin Hall last summer used everything from solar power to a new roof coating to increase the energy efficiency of this 23-year-old building. The result: The hall is now 15 percent more efficient than required by Maryland building codes.

New features include an Energy Star-compliant roof coating to help reduce heat island effect, an energy recovery unit to recapture up to 80 percent of the heated and cooled air in the building that otherwise would be escape, and a solar stairwell fan for improved ventilation overall.
Low-flow aerators on the building’s faucets allow the hall to use 10 percent less water than before the renovation. Exterior lobby and lounge walls were replaced with full-height glass, allowing more natural daylight into those spaces.

All concrete, metal, wood and paver materials removed during the project were reused or recycled, and all flooring materials—including carpet—included recycled materials. All new materials installed contained low volatile compounds, helping remove air toxins in the building.

“While most of these upgrades are not immediately visible, they make a tremendous impact to the building by making the residence hall much more energy efficient, cost effective and sustainable to the environment,” said Jeff Downes, director of facilities planning and capital projects.

Holder Construction Co. of Atlanta was the contractor for the project.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.