New energy-efficient dorm opens in Will Vill

Equipped with water filtration systems, energy-efficient lighting and two new residential academic programs (RAPs), Williams Village North, CU’s new residence hall is opening its doors to students.

Residence Life staff member Becca Stephens, a 21-year-old senior English and theatre major, said the building was designed to foster the idea of sustainability.

“This building is an opportunity to encourage and educate students about the idea of sustainability,” Stephens said. “Everything from their air conditioning to their light switches will help them be more [environmentally] conscious.”

Taylor Hasting, a 19-year-old freshman psychology major, said the updated functions of the building will help in encouraging sustainability throughout campus.

“Since it’s new and energy-efficient, everyone will want to keep it that way,” Hasting said. “Following the recycling and water tips in the dorm will help promote a greener campus overall.”

Will Vill North is a LEED-standard building, and according to the Environmental Center website, a building must meet certain requirements to gain LEED certification.

Susan Beckett, energy program manager for the Environmental Center, said buildings must go through a point system to earn their LEED certification.

“Points are distributed according to energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy,” Beckett said.

While Beckett said she was unsure of the specific number of points awarded to Will Vill North, the new building earned a Platinum rating on the LEED scale. Stephens said the energy-efficient aspects can be seen in every room.

“There are different light switches in the rooms,” Stephens said. “Some are to control the phantom currents from things plugged into outlets, like a phone or computer charger. Others control the motion censors in the lights.”

The new dorm will also be the home of two new RAPs which reflect the building’s eco-consciousness: the Social Entrepreneurship for Equitable Development & Sustainability and the Sustainable by Design, said Jack Thorpe, a 23-year-old graduate student and teaching resident advisor. Three classrooms have been built for the 500 students that will be participating in the RAPs.

Thorpe said the new RAPs will offer learning opportunities to many different majors.

“These are interdisciplinary programs for mainly business, engineering and architecture students,” Thorpe said. “However, students from different majors can join and work to complete classes for the environmental studies degree.”

Students residing in Will Vill North will find daily tasks to be steeped with eco-consciousness.

Courtney Hughes, an 18-year-old freshman open-option major, said she had no experience with sustainable living before moving to Will Vill North but is looking forward to the new opportunity.

“This is all new,” Hughes said. “I think it will encourage me and other students to think green.”

Contact CU Independent News Budget Editor Lauren Archuletta at [email protected]