When Library Director Loren Pinkerman came to LaGrange College, he immediately began lobbying for a new building. After 40 years and substantial growth in the student body, it was time. One of former President Stuart Gulley’s primary directives? Make it LEED certified.Kevin Matherly, VP, Project Management for Partners Development says, “Dr. Gulley was moving the college toward a more sustainable campus overall, new buildings, existing buildings, sustainable living in general. LEED was the most well-known green building rating system at the time. Southface was brought in on the front end to do a quick study, which became the basis of the design created by Perry Dean Rogers of Boston, MA.”The Frank and Laura Lewis Library achieved LEED Silver in late 2009. The library’s green features will offer lower operating costs, a healthier work and study environment and less solid waste for local landfills, which translate into a better quality of life for LaGrange College and the greater community. One of the many features that played a role was the InterfaceFLOR carpet tile used throughout the space.Henderson says, “H2 Ecodesign facilitated the entire project team for all sustainable decision making centralized on LEED. The specifications included low-emitting, recycled content and regional products – the InterfaceFLOR carpet tile was a great contribution to all of these aspects of green design.”According to Director Pinkerman, it’s also nice to look at. “It’s very lively and doesn’t look institutional. The design team brought us several [carpet tile] options to choose from and we really liked the color and design of the most prominent tiles on the floor. It breathes life into the place and we’ve been pleased with it.”
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