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The McLean Environmental Living and Learning Center, which opened in 1998, serves as a unique residential space for students and was an early model for green design. Students were active participants in the building's design process and helped to select environmentally-friendly materials like recycled carpet, furniture made from recycled milk jugs and recycled steel, bio-composite material for counter-tops, windows with low-emissivity coated glass, and natural-based linoleum floors to employ the best use of resources.

Sustainability Features

• Three photovoltaic solar arrays provide efficient active solar energy collection
• Motion sensor lighting and high efficiency light fixtures, motors, and appliances cut down on electricity use
• Two waterless composting toilets and low flow water saving fixtures throughout the building help to conserve water
• 120-foot 20 kilowatt wind tower located at the northeast corner of the building
• Fourteen solar panels placed on the roof of the south wing preheat hot water for residential use
• Increased insulation of walls, ceilings, and windows
• Heat recovery of exhaust air, high efficiency boilers for space and water heating