The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s main administrative building has been awarded a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The site, known as the Lyman Spitzer Building, was recognized for its “green,” energy-efficient structure with the second-highest designation that the LEED program offers.
The PPPL is a research center dedicated to the study of fusion, the process by which matter is converted into energy within the interior of stars. University researchers conduct experiments there with the fusion process and are attempting to develop fusion as an energy source.
The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit organization whose ranks include universities, corporations and government agencies. Its mission is to foster the development of sustainable technology.
The PPPL is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, and the LSB’s certification is the third such to be given to a building within the department.
The LSB was named after leading astrophysicist and PPPL founder, Lyman Spitzer, Jr. GS ’38. Though three decades old, the building includes efficient lighting, ventilation and heating systems, as well as sensor and low-flow water arrangements. Sustainable landscaping and large-scale LED usage further contribute to the building’s environmental friendliness.
The LEED rating system has been applied to more than 40,000 building projects. Its criteria include recycling and maintenance programs, systems upgrades and chemical usage.
In line with recent trends toward environmentalism, the U.S. Green Building Council maintains that more efficient building practices can meet 85 percent of the country’s future demand for energy.
Rick Fedrizzi, president and chief executive of the council, praised the PPPL’s local approach to climate change, noting that “building operations are nearly 40 percent of the solution to the global climate change challenge.”
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the council. The LSB’s rating recognizes both the potential environmental impact of man-made structures and the success of the LSB’s pollution minimization.
Read More
‘A brilliant young contemporary writer and a beautiful human being’: Remembering Lauren Blackburn ’26
Victoria Davies and Caitlyn TabladaBlackburn was found deceased by authorities on April 25, several days after he was reported missing. He was 23 years old at the time of his death and is remembered by friends and mentors as a brilliant writer, voracious learner, and loving friend. A family obituary said he passed away after a “courageous battle with bipolar disorder.”
Blackburn was found deceased by authorities on April 25, several days after he was reported missing. He was 23 years old at the time of his death and is remembered by friends and mentors as a brilliant writer, voracious learner, and loving friend. A family obituary said he passed away after a “courageous battle with bipolar disorder.”
GSG approves audit, delays budget approval after ‘insufferable’ meeting
Nikki HanThe final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
The final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
Effort to restore chapel’s pews slowly progresses
Ben GoldstonHead carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.
Head carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.