In June 2014, the Pitzer College president’s residence became the first private home in Claremont, Calif. to earn LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system to promote cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. The LEED for Homes certification is based on the total number of points a project earns in various compliance categories, such as Energy & Atmosphere, Sustainable Sites and Indoor Environmental Quality. The president’s residence was awarded LEED points for everything from its drought-tolerant landscaping to its energy-efficient appliances.
Statement of Environmental Policy and Principles
Pitzer College strives to incorporate socially and environmentally sound practices into the operations of the College and the education of our students. Pitzer exists within inter-reliant communities that are affected by personal and institutional choices and the College is mindful of the consequences of our practices. A Pitzer education should involve not just a mastery of ideas, but a life lived accordingly. We are thus committed to principles of sustainability, and dedicated to promoting awareness and knowledge of the impacts of our actions on humanity and the rest of nature.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and its community are changing the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. The USGBC is a diverse group of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofits, teachers and students, lawmakers and citizens that share a vision of a sustainable built environment for all within the next generation. To learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating systems, please visit www.usgbc.org.
Download the President’s Residence LEED Brochure PDF
Water Efficiency
Irrigation System & Indoor Water Use:
Credits 2.1, 3.1, 3.2
The house’s high-efficiency, sensor-equipped irrigation system uses approximately 30 percent
less water than the amount allotted by California regulations. More than 50 percent of the yard is watered by drip irrigation. Indoors, plumbing fixtures and fittings are low-flow and high efficiency.
Sustainable Sites
Landscaping Credit: 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
The house’s landscaping is filled with low-water, regionally appropriate plants. Lawn was replaced by drought-tolerant Buffalo Grass. California native vegetation includes a Coast Live Oak and Manzanitas.
Erosion Controls during Construction Credit: 1.1
During the renovation, the construction team stockpiled and protected topsoil from erosion, controlled water runoff and protected downstream waterways.
Energy & Atmosphere
Optimize Energy Performance, Lighting &
Appliances: Credits 1.1, 1.2, 8.2, 8.3, 9.1, 11.2
The house now exceeds California energy standards by 19 percent. A high-efficiency air conditioning unit, air-tight ducting and energy modeling software significantly reduce energy use. Lighting includes ENERGY STAR and solar fixtures. All kitchen appliances are ENERGY STAR certified.
Materials & Resources
Environmentally Preferable Products:
Credits 2.2, 3.2
During the renovation, 80 percent of construction waste was recycled. The house contains environmentally friendly insulation. More than 45 percent of the flooring comes from non-toxic, non-tropical, sustainably harvested wood.
Location & Linkages
Community Resources: Transit Credit 5.3
Located a couple of blocks from Claremont’s historic downtown, the President’s Residence is within a half mile of numerous community resources, minimizing dependence on vehicles and reducing carbon emissions.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Combustion Venting: Credit 2.1
Air quality is protected by venting all combustion appliances and carbon monoxide monitors located on each floor.
