Duke University’s Research Drive Garage is a 1,917 space 7-level cast-in-place post-tensioned concrete parking structure. The stand-alone single-use garage is certified by the US Green Building Council, earning 31 LEED® points. The parking structure is simultaneously sustainable, functional and integrated with the existing campus fabric, using the stonework pattern commonly referred to as “Duke stone”. More than 75% of the site was restored to natural woodland. The facility features a “living” green wall, LED lighting, and rooftop canopies. It supplies much needed parking to the Duke Medical Center campus.
Other sustainable features include:
- It replaces an existing surface parking lot, reducing the area of new hardscape surfaces on campus. Because stormwater from parking facilities tends to have a high level of pollutants, cisterns treat and store graywater for irrigation and sewage conveyance.
- Green trellis canopies on the roof and green screen exterior walls provide vegetated surfaces to reduce heat-island effect, filter airborne emissions and provide aesthetic appeal.
- Rain gardens planted with native plants naturally clean runoff water.
- The garage accepts discounted parking passes to owners of low-emission, fuel-efficient, carpool and vanpool vehicles.
- Energy efficient light fixtures and daylight harvesting reduces energy consumption.
- Building materials will include recycled content and local/regional products.
- Garage visitors will be educated about sustainable design through learning centers located in garage elevators lobbies.
- The revenue control systems process vehicles much faster than traditional systems, reducing vehicle idling.
- The project’s specified concrete will provide high solar reflectance, reducing the building’s heat absorption.
- Bike racks were installed to encourage short distance commuting.
- Waste generated by the construction process was sorted and portion recycled to reduce landfill waste.
