Parkview wins Green House Award for sustainability


Parkview Hall recently won the Green House Award from the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, marking the fourth award for FIU’s newest residence hall. The hall was previously named as Best in Show, University by the Florida Educational Facility Planners Association and earned an Award of Honor from the American Institute of Architects Orlando Chapter. It also received a National Gold Award for Best Conceptual Student Housing from Habitation Design Magazine.

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The most recent award recognizes the residence hall’s commitment to educating students on green and sustainable living through exposure to green building features such as motion sensor lighting, natural day lighting, energy efficient appliances, low-flow water fixtures and recycled materials. These features significantly reduce the hall’s energy, water and carbon footprint. Parkview is also seeking LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. Once approved, it will be FIU’s first LEED certified residence hall.

“This project showcased an innovative approach to connect FIU students to their campus in a way that has never been done before,” said Ryan Vogel, sustainability program assistant for the Office of University Sustainability. “Having all the amenities associated with a 14-acre Nature Preserve at their doorsteps not only provides students with the opportunity but instead the motivation to live healthier lifestyles.”

Parkview was carefully designed to complement the surrounding environment. Its physical closeness to the FIU Nature Preserve also encourages residents to respect mother nature, as many take advantage of the recycled-tire rubber jogging path, organic garden and volunteer to help maintain the native South Florida plant species. Residents also participate in the Housing Recycling Program and attend sustainability and green living workshops from the Office of Sustainability.