Spotlight
Sustainability: Sustainable Renovation
| USF News
Architect's rendering of the completed Sun Dome renovation.
Rendering courtesy of Populous, Inc.
Along with a center scoreboard, concessions and a new concourse level, sustainability ranked high on the list of priorities for USF's $35 million renovation of the Sundome Arena & Convocation Center.
"From the outset, the renovation was planned with sustainability in mind," says Stephen Lafferty, with USF Facilities Planning & Construction. "Like all new construction projects at the university, this renovation supports President Genshaft's commitment to create a sustainable campus environment."
Among the highlights of the sustainable renovation, according to Lafferty:
- As of Sept. 30, nearly 90 percent of the debris removed from the site had been recycled — that's a total of 2,375.53 tons of materials diverted from landfills.
- More than 50 percent of original walls, floors and roof systems are being re-used in the renovation.
- High-efficiency air conditioning and lighting systems will reduce overall energy consumption by 18 percent, and internal water usage by 30 percent.
- Efficient landscaping and irrigation systems will cut the arena's irrigation needs by 50 percent. In addition, Lafferty says, significant quantities of new flooring, wall coverings, cabinetry, rebar and concrete material being used include recycled content. And, less polluting paints, adhesives, sealants, flooring and cabinetry materials are being used.
The renovation is expected to be completed in May. It is projected to extend the arena's life for another 30 years.