Sustainable Design Program Receives National Award from National Institute of Building Sciences

Posted on February 27, 2012

Students in the sustainable design program work collaboratively to create environmentally-conscious designs.

Philadelphia University’s master’s program in sustainable design has been recognized for its excellence with the 2011 Beyond Green High Performance Building Initiative Award from the National Institute of Building Sciences.

PhilaU’s sustainable design program, a transdisciplinary program that was one of the first of its kind, was cited for distinction in a sustainable design program. Awardees will be honored March 22 at a Washington, D.C., ceremony that will include members of Congress.

“This national award underscores the power of Philadelphia University’s sustainable design curriculum, which is built on an integrated model of education, an inclusive transdisciplinary learning environment and a deep green philosophy,” said Rob Fleming, LEED AP, BD&C, director of the master’s in sustainable design program and associate professor of architecture.

The awards recognize initiatives that shape, inform and catalyze the high-performance building market, as well as the real-world application of high-performance construction practices, according to the institute. “The awardees are excellent examples of the leadership necessary to assure our nation’s buildings achieve high-performance building goals,” said Institute President Henry Green.

PhilaU’s sustainable design program, established in 2007, is based on an interdisciplinary, collaborative model that enables students to explore sustainability through a variety of disciplines; create and collaborate with students and faculty members from diverse fields to experience the importance of transdisciplinary problem-solving and design; and become influential leaders in industry, government and non-profit environments.