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Fifth Third Bank Basketball Practice Facility Receives LEED® Silver Certification

Posted: Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The University of Evansville and Industrial Contractors Skanska announced today that UE’s new Fifth Third Bank Basketball Practice Facility has been awarded LEED® Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Fifth Third Bank Basketball Practice Facility is UE’s third LEED certified building, along with the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building and the Ridgway University Center.

The facility’s construction marks the launch of UE’s campus Facilities Master Plan, which represents UE’s commitment to providing its students with an environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle and offers space that encourages learning beyond a typical classroom atmosphere. PCI Skanska was responsible for the design and Industrial Contractors Skanska was responsible for oversight of the construction of UE’s new facility, adding a highly sustainable building to the University’s already green campus.

“The Fifth Third Bank Basketball Practice Facility represents a major step forward for Aces athletics.,” said John Stanley, UE director of athletics, “We're very proud to receive LEED® Silver certification, which demonstrates that the facility not only benefits our students and campus community, but its sustainable elements help the environment as well.”

The 25,000 square-foot facility includes 19,500 square feet of gym space, men’s and women’s lounges, as well as offices and storage areas for basketball coaching staff. It is located on the west side of the University’s Carson Center, which houses the offices and facilities of other UE athletic teams, as well as the campus fitness center. Renovations of that facility are also included in the master plan.

“Skanska is proud to partner with UE to provide its students with space that enhances the school’s culture, as well as its commitment to green and healthy living,” said Denny Quinn, executive vice president of Industrial Contractors Skanska. “Skanska has extensive experience in sustainable building; the new practice facility we have built will help the University offer its students an environment that promotes a balanced lifestyle that emphasizes the importance of education and exercise.”

“Skanska is thrilled to be a part of UE’s transformation by completing its first project in the Facilities Master Plan,” said Jeff Deig, president of PCI Skanska. “We commend UE for its commitment to sustainability, an essential component to Evansville’s energy efficient future and cost effective tomorrow.” 

PCI Skanska and Industrial Contractors Skanska worked closely with UE to incorporate various environmentally-friendly features into the facility. The building was designed to save over 30% above the energy code requirements. Recycled materials represented 27% of the material cost used to construct the new practice facility and 48% was from regional materials. PCI Skanska reduced the facility’s water usage by 77%. In addition, the Skanska team researched and secured utility rebates from Vectren and Energizing Indiana. The team received rebates for implementing the facility’s energy efficient lighting, heating, ventilation, and cooling systems (HVAC) systems, as well as its white “cool” roof. Industrial Contractors Skanska was able to secure exemplary credits in the Construction Waste Management category by diverting over 96% of the construction waste from landfills by recycling and salvage.

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