Energy Efficiency
- Finn Residence Hall features enhanced refrigerant management in accordance with the Montreal Protocol and other policies for eliminating ozone depleting chemicals in refrigeration and air conditioning appliances.
- Sunlight is accessible throughout the building and in each mini-suite, reducing residents’ need for artificial lighting. Taking advantage of natural lighting helps to reduce local light pollution. In fact, Finn received the highest possible rating of daylight use in the LEED Building Design and Construction checklist!
- Finn Residence Hall is equipped with building-level energy metering, allowing us to gather data on energy consumption and then develop strategies for energy reduction.
Water Conservation and Filtration
- Finn Residence Hall is designed to safely and efficiently manage rainwater runoff.
- Strategies for both outdoor and indoor water use reduction were incorporated into the building design.
- Finn Residence Hall is also equipped with building-level water metering, allowing us to gather data on water consumption and then develop strategies for water use reduction.
Sustainable Design
- Low-emitting materials were used in construction, enhancing the indoor environmental quality of the building.
- Bicycle racks are available outside the building for residents’ convenience. Additionally, Finn Residence Hall is located within walking distance of Caltrain's Santa Clara Station and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus stops. These transportation centers offer access to regional public transportation, including CalTrain, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses, and Amtrak. Access to convenient public transportation reduces residents’ need for personal vehicles.
- Sensitive land protection was maintained throughout the construction process.
Waste Reduction
- Waste created during demolition and construction processes was managed and disposed of properly.
- Finn Residence Hall is equipped with standard university recycling, waste, and composting bins. Student work areas have ample recycling and composting capabilities, and students using the building are strongly encouraged to divert their waste from the landfill.
- SCU collects plastics #1-7, paper, aluminum, glass, and tin in “recycle” containers, food waste and biodegradable containers in “compost” containers, and whatever else remains in containers labeled “landfill waste.”