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Sustainability

Sustainable Buildings

Bentley's Sustainable Building Commitment

When Bentley signed the President's Climate Commitment in 2007 it committed to achieving LEED-Silver certification for all new construction and major renovations (renovations greater than 50% replacement value). In addition, Facilities Management and the Office of Sustainability work together on smaller upgrades and renovations across the campus to ensure that sustainable building principles are being applied.

Bentley’s Arena

In 2018, Bentley University constructed a 76,000 square-foot multi-purpose ice arena. The Bentley Arena was named the most environmentally sustainable in the United States and was the first standalone ice arena to earn the United States Green Building Council's LEED Platinum Certification. The Bentley Arena has half of the carbon footprint of peer buildings thanks to a combination of high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; high efficiency ice making equipment; a state-of-the-art heat reclamation loop; smart LED lighting systems and a 504 kilowatt rooftop solar array. The Bentley Arena also uses 50% less water than peers and provides the perfect venue for students to explore the impacts of various sustainable technologies on natural resource use and operating costs. 

Empty Bentley Arena

View the arena’s LEED certification scorecard

Water Conservation

Water-Saving Faucets and Shower Head

The majority of the Residence halls are equipped with water-saving, low flow faucets and shower heads. 

Reduce Water Use by 40%

Low-flow faucets and shower heads work by restricting the flow of water while maintaining standard water pressure (approximately 80 psi). Therefore, consumers are able to enjoy the same water pressure while conserving water.

 

[Source: EPA WaterSense]

Reduce Energy Use by 40%  

Energy is used to heat hot water, if less water is used, less natural gas or electricity is burned to heat the water.

Energy is also used to pump water to your faucet and used to pump wastewater (water that goes down the drain) to wastewater treatment plants where more energy is used to treat the water before it is discharged to the environment, if less water is used, less energy is used to pump and treat wastewater.

By using low flow showerheads and faucets to reduce their demand for hot water, an average household can cut their carbon dioxide emissions.  In the process, they also save money on their water bills!

Dual Flush Toilets

Dual flush toilets have been installed in many buildings on campus.  They allow the user to choose a small flush and a larger flush to accommodate liquid and solid waste respectively.  These types of toilets save both water and money!

Small Flush

The small flush uses 0.9 gallons per flush (GPF).

Large Flush

The large flush uses 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF).

Low VOC Paint

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are chemicals released while paint is in either a solid or liquid state. Through evaporation these chemicals pollute the air and can have adverse health effects on organisms which come in contact with them. Low VOC paint contains levels of VOC which are considerable healthier than other paints. 


Bentley has a policy of only using low VOC paints on campus to keep our campus community healthy.

Outside view of Bentley Arena