Since its opening in April 2013, the Arnold J. Damen, S.J. Student Center has transformed the campus culture of Loyola University Chicago. A certified LEED Silver facility, the Damen Student Center features a lot of sustainability features that allow it to function using a minimal amount of resources. Additionally, the space was very environmentally sound starting with its construction process from May 2011-April 2013. While the building is visited by close to 1 million people each year, the building maintains its sustainable efforts through a variety of new initiatives that keep up with industry trends. Here are a few of those efforts:

• High efficiency fixtures help reduce the Damen Student Center's water use by up to 30%

• 50% of the Damen Student Center roof is devoted to green space to provide insulation and absorb rain

• Heat island roof design with low albedo

• The Damen Student Center features an 80 foot by 40 foot skylight to help brighten the facility and drive down energy costs

• Natural ventilation throughout the Damen Student Center keeps air conditioning use to a minimum (underground trench)

• During the 22 month construction process from May 2011 thru April 2013, 75% of the building waste was diverted from landfills

• The facility relied heavily on using LEED materials during construction. 20% of the materials used in construction came from recycled content. 10% of these materials were processed and manufactured regionally. 

• All lights and energy systems for all of the meeting rooms, offices, and common spaces are on a sensor that notices when there is no movement in a room (LUTRON SYSTEM)

• Day-light harvesting