Eco-Friendly Center Nears Completion

From an eco-lighting system to waterless urinals, the 35,500-SF Innovation Center at the University of Arkansas’ Research and Technology Park is a testament to conservation and innovation.

Phillip Stafford, president of the UA Technology Development Foundation, said several eco-friendly tactics are being used in an effort to make the center an LEED-certified building (leadership in energy and environmental design), a designation by the U. S. Green Building Council. Stafford said the site is in the review process of certification.

With plenty of natural lighting, the building will use technology to fine-tune the amount of light output near each work station, rather than flooding the building on “high” at all times.

Stafford, whose office will be relocated to the building this fall, said the positive pressure airflow, a tech-savvy cooling tower in the HVAC system and even recycled landscaping materials contribute to the center’s healthy environment. “Green” cleaning products will be used, so noxious fumes won’t pollute the building’s air.

Cost and conservation go hand-in-hand. For example, the manufacturer of the water-free urinal claims that each fixture can save up to 40,000 gallons of water a year. That comes to about $287 worth of base-rated Fayetteville water, not including treatment efforts by the city. At that rate and at about $400 a pop, each station should be financially flush within 18 months.

De-mountable walls and under-floor data connections make the building customizable to the needs of various tenants.

Stafford said the center’s construction costs are about $5.3 million and the total project cost will be about $6.2 million. The project is being financed through bond proceeds.

May Construction of Fayetteville is the general contractor on the building. Cromwell Architects Engineers of Fayetteville is the architect and engineer.

So far, Virtual Incubation Corp., Arkansas Capital Corp. and Acxiom have expressed interest in moving local offices into the facility.