PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov. 19, a new dance complex at Point Park University will receive the Trane Energy Efficiency Leader in Education Award in recognition of the university's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability in selecting high performance infrastructure systems for the building.

Already lauded for its sustainability, in 2008, the new $16 million building was one of the first complexes of its kind in the nation to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction (LEED-NC) Gold certification, one of the highest levels of distinction in the U.S. Green Building Council's building performance program.

Opened in 2007, the complex features a comfortable, stable environment for teachers, staff and students, addressing challenges they had faced in the previous space from humidity and temperature swings and high energy and operating costs. The efficient infrastructure systems selected for the complex are projected to generate 36 percent annual energy usage savings over ASHRAE 90.1 standards. The complex also features estimated 40 percent annual savings in water use.

The completion of the dance complex is part of the Academic Village at Point Park University, a $244 million master plan that will transform Point Park and its downtown neighborhood. Other recently completed elements of the plan include renovation to the adjacent Lawrence Hall and the opening of a new residence hall. The plan also includes a new Student and Convocation Center, including a gymnasium and a park. An overview of the new Academic Village at Point Park University is available at www.pointpark.edu/academicvillage.

In recognition of the importance of administrators' commitment to efficient and sustainable energy usage, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, Point Park University administrators will receive the "Trane Energy Efficiency Leader in Education Award."

Details of the award presentation:

• Trane representatives Bill Harris, education vertical market leader; Terry Dugan, district manager, and Tim White, general sales manager, will present the award to Bridget Mancosh, senior vice president of finance and administration, Point Park University.
• The awards presentation will be at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19 in the lobby of Lawrence Hall at Point Park University, 212 Wood St., Pittsburgh, Pa.

"We now offer our students, faculty and staff spacious teaching and rehearsal facilities that perform at the highest levels so that they can do the same," said Paul Hennigan, president, Point Park University. "We're thrilled that the state-of-the-art systems in these new spaces go beyond increasing comfort and efficiency to save money and conserve natural resources."

Administrators Carefully Selected Energy Conservation Measures

Before designing the new facility in 2005 and 2006, administrators conducted a comprehensive benchmarking process of the country's leading dance facilities to identify best practices in studio design. Administrators also carefully selected infrastructure systems to meet their objectives of establishing an environment with consistent humidity and temperature while reducing operating costs.

To maintain a stable and comfortable environment in the three-story complex, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system efficiently draws in the maximum amount of fresh air needed as indicated by sensors monitoring carbon dioxide levels, temperature and humidity. Stable conditions and fresh air are essential for the dancers' comfort in both rehearsal and performance spaces. The new system also allows temperatures to be adjusted within individual rooms.

To conserve resources, water-efficient fixtures in the complex incorporate dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets and showerheads. The complex also includes a building automation system for centralized building control, system optimization to maximize energy efficiencies and remote monitoring.

To maximize the use of natural light, large floor-to-ceiling windows set in bright, reflective walls allow sunlight to flood the spaces during the day. Light trespass from the building is minimized, reducing light pollution which, in turn, improves night time visibility and creates an aesthetically pleasing environment.

From an environmentally responsible standpoint, the three-story building also includes an Energy Star-rated roof, water-saving systems, sustainable wood floors and paints, carpeting and other materials with low emissions.

The project met LEED-NC Gold standards. LEED (www.usgbc.org) promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by reviewing performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

About Point Park University

Point Park University, founded in 1960, is a comprehensive master's level university with a strong liberal arts tradition located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Point Park enrolls more than 3,900 full-and part-time students in 67 undergraduate programs and 11 graduate programs offered through its School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communication and the Conservatory of Performing Arts.

About Trane

Trane, a business of Ingersoll Rand - the world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and energy efficient environments - improves the performance of homes and buildings around the world. Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced controls for homes and commercial buildings. For more information, visit www.Trane.com.