Bren Hall

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Coordinates: 34°24′43.61″N, 119°50′31.25″W

Bren Hall has been called the "greenest" laboratory facility in the United States. Bren Hall is located on the UCSB campus, and hosts the University's Donald Bren School of Environmental Science. Bren Hall also offers a picturesque view of the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands. Bren Hall opened in January of 2002.

Developers designed the building to conserve power by using energy-efficient lighting, natural lighting, efficient boilers, connection to the campus's chilled water loop, and a sophisticated building automation system. Many of the furnishings - including the carpet, insulation, counters and furniture - were made from recycled materials. All water fixtures are highly efficient, including waterless urinals and low-flow, self-closing faucets. Reclaimed water is used in the toilets and for irrigation purposes. Offices on the side of the ocean are cooled by ventilation system of air from operable windows.

The U.S. Green Building Council gave Bren Hall its very first platinum rating under LEED 1.0. To receive certification, a building must meet the standards set by the council, which gives certified, silver, gold and platinum ratings.