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GRAM + Green = LEED Gold
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system that provides a standard of measurement that defines what a “green” building is.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is the first LEED Gold Certified art museum in the world! Walking into the museum, you would never guess that there is something different about the building, but there are several things that make the GRAM earth friendly.
The building utilizes natural light as much as possible through large windows and skylights. The natural light is filtered through triple layered glass with ultraviolet protection to provide suitable light that won’t harm the art inside.
The museum enforces a strict recycling program, and all their printed pieces and even gift shop bags are made from recycled materials. The building’s insulation is made from recycled materials as well. Recyclable carpeting is made from digestable corn-based plastic.
The GRAM used concrete made from cement, sand and stone from sources near Lake Michigan. The wood floors are white oak planks that come from sustainably harvested forests in the Northwest, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The building has an energy-saving air conditioning system that uses three 12-foot diameter energy wheels to bring in fresh air. Rain and snow water also stored and recycled for toilets, plant irrigation, pool and water wall. The building has an eco-friendly entrance that gives protection in the winter and shade in the summer.
The GRAM also has regenerated an underdeveloped urban site, is public transportation friendly (providing bicycle racks), and works to educate the public about sustainability.
