How "Green" Should We Build?

"We are learning how to 'walk humbly' on God's earth."

-Emma Stahl-Wert, a student in EMU's first Green Design class. Read more on student research and class suggestions for upcoming renovation and additions to the Suter Science Center.

A topic that has generated much buzz on campus as we think about a new building is how “green” that building, and the program it houses, will be.

When considering renovations to the 1967-era Suter Science Center, there has never been a question of whether it would be a “green” facility. Weaving “green” features into the facility design, as well as programming and curriculum that would happen in that facility, is a natural outgrowth of EMU and the values it represents.

Decisions about whether to incorporate high visibility green features (such as a green roof or “living machine” waste water treatment facility) and seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council are less clear.

Simply put, the Mennonite historical commitment to cautious use of resources includes careful scrutiny of each dollar spent up front on this facility.

We plan to build the facility with a minimum of basic LEED certification standards. We would value input from interested people as to whether we should find more money to invest in more creative green features, many of which will have a good return on investment over the long run.

E-mail your thoughts on how “green” EMU should build to , director of EMU marketing and communications.