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Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Sciences & Technology

Newark, California

The new Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology is the first community college in the United States built to the standards of LEED Platinum level certification – the highest U.S. Green Building Council certification for sustainable construction and design – and was awarded this certification level in 2008.  The college was built on a reclaimed Brownfields site, which was cleaned up with the help of the EPA and turned into a vital community asset.  Every aspect of this structure was designed to be environmentally sustainable including geothermal energy systems, solar panels, locally made furniture, even insulation made with recycled blue jeans.

Working with Perkins+Will, HLB's scope included the learning resource center/library, offices, bookstore, cafeteria, classrooms, labs, fitness area, parking, site lighting and athletic fields. Full cutoff light fixtures and luminaire shields for exterior site fixtures were chosen to minimize the impact of light pollution on the surrounding community.  Energy efficient QL induction sources fixtures were chosen for large volume interior areas, with metal halide accent lighting.  “Smart” technologies such as occupancy sensors and preset dimming controls will save energy and money for the College over the long term

Light systems are easy to use and maintain, while also being manufactured locally to minimize economic and environmental impacts.

The lighting design for this project has been awarded an IES Illumination Award of Merit.