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PSU's Green Residence Halls |
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Two residence halls on campus are certified green buildings. Stephen Epler Hall and the Broadway Hall Building have achieved LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Broadway Hall Building 
- Low-flow water fixtures and dual-flush toilets conserve energy and water usage.
- Natural ventilation replaces air conditioning with operable windows in each room. Windows should be left closed when the heat is running to prevent energy loss.
- Exposed floors also contribute to cooling and rugs should be used during cooler months.
- Unfinished walls and low-VOC finishes, paints and adhesives protect indoor air quality. Low-VOC products emit fewer chemicals, resulting in less sick building syndrome and a healthier living environment.
- The 18,000 square foot ecoroof is one of the largest in the city. It reduces building energy usage by retaining heat in cold months and cooling the building in warmer months. The roof is populated with native vegetation and also treats stormwater runoff.
- Recycling rooms can be found on every floor to deposit recyclables.
- All common areas of the building are cleaned with green cleaning products.
Stephen Epler Hall - A rainwater harvesting system in the plaza diverts stormwater via splash boxes and planters into underground tanks before it is used to flush water in the first floor restrooms.
- Rooms are outfitted with EnergyStar appliances, which conserve energy usage.
- Rooms are designed to use as much natural light as possible with large windows.
- Natural ventilation is used for cooling. Sunshades on the west and south sides of the building minimize heating exposure from the sun while also allowing sunlight penetration in the winter. Operable windows in rooms and at the end of hallway corridors act as “gills” that flush air through the building. The shaded student plaza acts as a cool air reservoir. Windows should remain shut whenever heating is running.
- All common areas of the building are cleaned with green cleaning products.
- Indoor air quality is preserved with low-toxic finishes and paints.
- The entrance’s stairs were constructed with old-growth timber from a 19th century distillery.
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Campus Infrastructure, Grounds & Planning 
