Committed to Sustainability

Advancing a culture of sustainability through learning, research, engagement, and institutional commitments.

Sustainability Features

Currently targeting a LEED Platinum certification, the sustainability charter for the Hopkins Student Center outlines three key goals: student health and well-being, stewardship of the local environment, and conservation of resources such as energy, carbon, and water. Through a reimagined landscape and connecting exterior spaces, HSC will provide opportunities for outdoor exhibits and pop-up artistic performances while supporting JHU’s sustainability goals.  

Architectural Features

• Mass timber construction 
• Carbon sequestering concrete 
• Building siting and roof overhangs to reduce HVAC loads based on solar gain 
• Bird-safe glass frit 
• Double and triple-pane glazing 
• Healthier materials initiative to reduce Red List chemicals in interior finishes 
• Biophilic design principles 

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Features

• Variant refrigerant flow system with radiant flooring in select locations (heating and cooling) 
• Dedicated outdoor air system and make-up air unit 
• Tiered roofs with integrated solar panels 
• Rainwater treatment system / stormwater retention tank 

Sustainability at Hopkins

Johns Hopkins University is proud to make ambitious commitments that reduce the university’s environmental impact and create scalable solutions at all levels.

Building off of the 2009 JHU Climate Change Implementation Plan, a new university-wide Climate Action & Sustainability Plan leverages the university’s unique multidisciplinary expertise to create an ambitious and holistic vision for a healthy, just, and sustainable future.

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