University of Rhode Island Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Building

Type: Green Roof, rain garden

Use: Institutional

Installer: Pare Corporation

Designer/Developer: Payette Associates (Architecture) and Carol R. Johnson Associates (Landscape Architecture)

Installation Date: January 2009

The combined stormwater system in and around the CBLS building provides water quality and peak runoff control. The green roof consists of an outdoor terrace that is partially covered with vegetation. This vegetation will filter pollutants in stormwater runoff as well as reduce heating and cooling needs in the building. The roof runoff is directed to the southwest wing of the building and channeled into runnels that lead under a metal grate walkway and to the rain garden. The rain garden also collects water from overland flow and two other surface runoff catch basins located south east of the building site. The rain garden provides a collection area for stormwater runoff and a filtration pond that reduces stormwater pollutants. In large scale storm events water passes through multiple biofiltration and infiltration ponds to an overflow detention area.

According to Lisa Esterrich, project landscape architect, the landscape design demonstrates a new way to conserve water and has become a living, working ecosystem that engages the community and teaches our future leaders how a sustainable design can be both beautiful and beneficial.

Maintenance: Sediment must be removed from catch basins on a regular basis – annually at a minimum. Any erosion observed should be reseeded immediately. Native vegetation must also be maintained.

The building also features daylight harvesting technologies that contribute to lighting and warming classrooms and laboratories. The efficient heating and cooling system also contributes to the energy conservation techniques of the building. This is the second building at the University of Rhode Island Kingston campus that has received a Silver LEED rating (the first being Hope Dining Hall built in 2008).