UC Davis student housing project earns LEED Platinum

Sacramento, Calif. — The University of California, Davis Tercero Student Housing Phase 3 facility recently earned LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design features. Sundt Construction, Inc. was the design-build contractor for the dormitory complex, which was completed in fall 2014.

The $70 million facility spans 320,000 gross square feet across seven, four-story buildings and houses approximately 1,200 freshman students. The project included an addition of 108 single-occupancy and 537 double-occupancy units, as well as multiple lounges, study areas, a large classroom and surrounding landscaped courtyards with bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly pathways.

Sundt’s use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology helped the project receive the industry’s premier mark of achievement in green building by eliminating material waste and creating an efficient workplace during construction. Other sustainable features include easy separation for disposing of recyclable products, natural light and views in common areas, high-recycled content in building materials, an energy efficient mechanical design and water efficient sustainable landscaping.

The project is expected to help the university fulfill its sustainability goals, which include reducing the campus’ greenhouse gas emissions to year-2000 levels. Project partners include EHDD Architects, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Cunningham Engineering, Guttmann & Blaevoet Engineers, Lawson Mechanical and Berg Electric.