Renovating the Windsor Law building instead of opting for new construction was the more sustainable choice. Opting for renovation instead of new construction allowed us to bring new life to existing materials, like these stunning original steel staircases at the Don & Gail Rodzik Library, which connect all three levels of the library.
Preservation of Resources: Constructing a new building requires significant amounts of raw materials such as concrete, steel, and wood. By renovating our existing building, we conserved these resources and reduced the environmental impact associated with extracting, manufacturing, and transporting new materials.
Energy Efficiency: We upgraded the building's insulation, windows, and HVAC systems, making it more energy efficient. This helps reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to a greener future.
Reduced Waste: Building demolition generates a massive amount of waste that typically ends up in landfills. Reusing existing materials and structures reduces the burden on landfill space and minimizes the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Renovation projects have a lower carbon footprint since a substantial amount of embodied carbon (carbon emissions associated with construction materials) has already been expended. The Windor Law Sustainability Committee led by Professor Chris Waters is committed to continuous sustainability efforts including eliminating plastics, reducing carbon footprints, reusing and upcycling, and more.