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Alma College's Hogan Center Earns LEED Silver

The Hogan Center, home of the maroon and cream, is certified green.

Alma College's renovated Hogan Center and new Art Smith Arena have been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification at the Silver level by the United States Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

"From the very beginning of the Hogan project, we committed to designing the facility to be our first LEED-certified building for sustainable construction," Alma College president Jeff Abernathy said. "I'm pleased that the building models environmental commitments that match the values of Alma College."

The Hogan Center is the first LEED-certified building in Alma and Gratiot County, said Dave Buhl, vice president for business affairs.

"Several contractors worked with us on the project who deserve recognition for helping us achieve LEED Silver certification," says Buhl. "The Collaborative Inc., the architectural firm that designed the facility, and MacMillan Associates, the engineering firm, incorporated the sustainable components into the design of the facility, and Wolgast Corporation, our construction firm, adhered to a strict set of guidelines to achieve the silver certification. Numerous subcontractors also assisted with the construction."

The Hogan project achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. Sustainable components include use of recycled content in ceiling panels, carpet, floor tiles, bleacher construction and sub-floor, along with maximized energy performance, water use reduction measures, and Energy Star-compliant roof system.

In addition, the GreenPlay hardwood basketball floor, one of the first in the country, meets enhanced standards for sustainable construction.

By using less energy and water, the Hogan Center reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community, said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the USGBC.

"The Hogan Center's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," says Fedrizzi. "The urgency of USGBC 's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and the Hogan Center serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish."

The $10.6 million project, completed last August, includes renovated locker rooms, athletic training space, natatorium, coach offices and classrooms in the existing athletics building along with the addition of the 29,000-square-foot Art Smith Arena, which serves as the college's primary venue for commencement, convocations, major events and athletics.

The arena, accented by the college's official colors of maroon and cream, seats 2,430, with additional floor seating of 600 available for non-athletics events. The handicap accessible facility has a ground-level entrance, new elevators and a 6,600-square-foot lobby with concession stand and restrooms. The basketball arena features theatre-style seating on the "home" side of the court.

The Hogan project was funded by a combination of gifts and the sale of bonds.

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