HSU's team, coached by Dr. Jamie Russell of the Department of Applied Technology, competed in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) problem set, in which they were tasked to act as consultants on the Seattle Civic Square project, which is currently in the design and construction process. The team was tasked with acting as consultants responsible for certifying a 44-story, mixed-use complex for LEED Platinum rating -- the highest level of certification possible.
LEED ratings are designed to promote sustainable green building practices through universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Competitions like the ASC's are designed to foster awareness among students at the university level.
"Although it was our first time ever competing, we gained valuable experience that has enabled us to better prepare for next year’s competition where we will blow the other teams out of the water and represent HSU as a true champion of sustainability," says team member Tommy Viducich, a junior in the Applied Technology program.
In addition to Viducich, the team also included senior Austin Wheelon and juniors Carlos Muro, Robert Leguillon, Einar Lono, Eva Santana and David Niedrich.
Dr. Russell underscored Viducich's comments, explaining that attending the competition has many benefits. "I am extremely proud of the performance of our team in this our first entry into this national green building competition. The team was composed, professional and worked very hard. The many interview opportunities team members received from attending companies shows that their performance did not go unnoticed by employers as well."
The team has set high hopes for next year's competition, where they hope to further establish Humboldt State University as a strong contender in sustainable design and construction. The 2009 competition will be held Feb. 11 through 14 in Sparks, NV. Visit the Associated Schools of Construction for more information.