Hundreds of visitors, including industry and political leaders, received a firsthand look at the new Sustainability Institute Hall during a dedication event Friday at the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS), “a living lab” that represents RIT’s commitment to the environment.
Cutting-edge “green” technology has been incorporated into every inch of the 84,000-square-foot building, from the solar panels on the soaring canopy to the vertical wind turbines located near its entrance.
The building houses the GIS master’s degree and Ph.D. programs in sustainability and architecture along with specialized research labs, student work areas, classrooms and office suites. Its distinctive features include a fuel cell, microgrid, geothermal system, green roof and a green wall.
“This new facility will enable RIT, and the Greater Rochester region, to become a world-class hub for sustainability research and education,” says RIT President Bill Destler. “It represents a significant new chapter in RIT’s commitment to serve as a major economic driver for our region, a leader in innovation and cutting-edge technologies, and a key partner with the community, government and industry.”