The International Animal Health and Food Safety Institute at the K-State Olathe campus at 22201 W. Innovation Drive, Olathe, KS, has received LEED Silver certification. The building provides classrooms, offices, laboratories, a teaching kitchen and instructional space.
“Achieving a LEED designation was part of the criteria for our design-build process,” said Dan Richardson, CEO of the K-State Olathe campus. “It is one of numerous aspects demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus, as well as being good stewards of land given to us by the City of Olathe.”
The International Animal Health and Food Safety Institute was completed in March of 2011 and is the first campus building on the 38-acre site. The initial collaboration between Kansas State University, 360 Architecture and The Weitz Company led to a successful construction process resulting in zero change orders and a sustainable facility that met K-State’s needs.
“Achieving LEED Silver certification on this project with such an integrated, fast-track schedule, speaks to the vision and collaboration of the design-build team and owners,” said Nate Purdy, project manager at The Weitz Company.
Throughout the building process, the team used sustainable materials, minimizing waste, long-term energy efficiencies and environmentally friendly designs.
Other aspects of the design included a curtain wall and punched openings allowing natural light deep into the building. Regional materials were used to minimize the need for heavy hauling, and much of the final material included pre and post-consumer recycled content. Additionally, the surrounding landscape features a demonstration garden for use in the kitchen.
“Green technology is a cornerstone of the next economy,” said Radd Way, executive vice president at The Weitz Company. “K-State Olathe is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when technology is combined with a beautiful, functional and sustainable building which will serve and support our region for many years to come.”