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2007: A Banner Year for Iowa Beta
This past year has been a year of celebration for the members of Iowa Beta. Not only has the chapter been re-chartered after a nine year absence but the chapter facility has been renovated and restored thanks to the generosity of alumni and now, the facility is on pace to become the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Greek residential facility in the country!
LEED recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in "green" building through a |
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comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training and practical resources. The historic chapter house, constructed in 1921, needed a complete overhaul and when James Patchett, Iowa State '71, became President of the Iowa Beta Corporation Board, he and other alumni felt the "green" approach to the renovation was the right thing to do.
"Regardless of whether we pursued LEED certification or not, it has always been our goal to provide the best living-learning environment available at Iowa State University for the members of our chapter", says Brother Patchett. "Since we were completely gutting and renovating the facility, it afforded an excellent opportunity to create a high quality living environment that is currently not offered anywhere else."
This project has not been without challenges and some thought it might not come to fruition. "Once the subcontractor's budget came in, it was more then twice the budget! There were a variety of reasons for this but the major factor was the lack of experience among local contractors when it came to the innovative "green" technologies. Many of the contractors were responding to cover their learning curve.", commented Brother Patchett who continued by saying, "This issue tends to subside as more green development projects are implemented and local contractors become accustomed to the technologies and construction means."
Banding together, Brother Patchett worked very closely with Randy Minear, Iowa State '76, owner of Terrus Real Estate Group of Des Monies, the construction managers for the renovation. Together and with the assistance of the other alumni volunteers they were able to quickly develop new options and further obtain quotes, which were within budget. New windows and energy star rated heating and cooling systems are among the new features added to the chapter facility.
In addition to interior features, the exterior also received a makeover. With the addition of a patio, sand volleyball court and a rain garden, part of the project was funded by an Iowa Department of Natural Resources urban storm water control grant. The rainwater management measurers are interconnected by a series of perforated pipes in an effort to increase opportunities for infiltration and water quality enhancement.
The Corporation has already submitted the initial registration for LEED certification and hopes that once all building and site renovation are completed in 2008, they will become the first LEED certified Greek facility in the country. For more information on LEED, please visit the United States Green Building Council's website.
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