Green Buildings
Thea Bowman Hall
Recycled materials, advanced energy and mechanical systems and hidden greenery make Thea Bowman Hall Loyola’s most sustainable residence. The building’s many sustainability features continue to capture the spirit of sustainable design on campus and remain a flagship for Loyola’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Minimal Construction Demolition
Architects expertly placed Thea Bowman into the hillside to reduce demolition of the construction site and restore the natural slope of the area. The team protected existing trees and planted 70 new trees, plants and shrubs to renew the space.
Local and Recycled Materials
- Over 80% of the building’s materials are recycled and local materials, many manufactured within a 500-mile radius. They sourced exterior brick from Shewsbury, Pennsylvania, just 35 miles from campus.
- The exterior steel entrances are more than just stunning, they are made from recycled materials. All of the structural steel is made from 90% recycled steel content.
- Toilet partitions, bathroom stalls and many plastic fixtures in the building are made from recycled plastic.
Building Systems
- A sustainable geothermal energy system heats and cools the building efficiently. Highly efficient insulation and thermal performance materials maximize these energy savings.
- Resident kitchens feature energy star rated appliances to maximize energy efficiency.
- Paints, sealants and adhesives are low VOC. Rooms and lounges are outfitted with furniture constructed from sustainably harvested solid wood, water based solvents and low VOC finishes.
- Tall windows throughout the building maximize natural daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting. High efficiency compact fluorescent, fluorescent and LED light fixtures can also be found throughout the building reducing energy consumption.
- The walking paths around the building are permeable paving to reduce storm water runoff to protect local water quality.
Green Roof
The roof features a 20,000 SF highly insulated and energy efficient EPA rated green roof garden. The garden reduces increases the efficiency of heating and cooling systems and reduces storm water runoff.
Ridley Athletic Complex
Loyola reclaimed and remediated the site of two former municipal solid waste landfills to construct Ridley Athletic Complex. It took 7 years to transform the site into a flat 50-acre area which could support the 6,000 seat stadium complex. The remaining site included the establishment of a conservation area where existing mature tree species were conserved, degraded native habitats were reestablished, site storm water captured, and methane gas collected and vented. Over 200 trees were planted to enhance the new forest area.
The entry sign at Ridley was transformed into a native perennial pollinator garden by Grounds Department in 2017.
Fernandez Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning
The Fernandez Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning will be Loyola's first certified LEED building. It opened in September 2021.
Learn more about the Fernandez Center.
