“Sustainability” and “Green Construction” are terms that are now commonplace in the vocabulary of architects, builders, and just about anyone involved with the construction industry. In terms of student housing, they’re also becoming part of the everyday vernacular of college students. While amenities such as generous living space, pools, and fitness centers are typically high on the list of students’ requirements for student housing, sustainability is now topping that list as well. Students are increasingly concerned about the environment, and are pushing their schools to adopt green policies and features such as low flow shower heads and sensors that turn on lights and air conditioning only when needed. At NYU’s Green House, efforts towards making the student residence hall more sustainable have encouraged students to make more eco-friendly choices in their everyday life. 

Likewise, schools and universities are taking a more sustainable approach to the construction and operation of student housing facilities. Advances in technology and construction have given builders and architects the ability to create student housing that achieves greater levels of sustainability. The modular construction process that we build with here at DeLuxe for example, has evolved to include newer innovative products and environmentally friendly steel-framed construction.  Our modular process itself is inherently “green”; we build offsite, impacting the actual jobsite much less than stick-built construction does. 

While environmentally friendly construction methods certainly contribute to the overall concept of sustainable living, students that drive the idea forward are what will make the movement ultimately successful.  When students insist that their living and working environments meet sustainability standards, schools and the building industry will follow. 

Whether you’re a student, or someone working in the building industry, what steps have you taken to practice sustainable living in your life and work?

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