Golisano Institute for Sustainability

RIT’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) is a world-class education and research facility. It serves as a living laboratory for research, technology transfer, education and outreach providing a state-of-the-art showcase for green construction and design. GIS supports cutting-edge research in nanotechnology, alternative energy development, and pollution prevention. FXFOWLE in collaboration with SWBR developed the building’s “Living Lab” concept.

A network of high-tech classrooms, offices, support and collaborative spaces accommodate the Hall’s various academic programs. Its passive design strategies, energy-efficient systems and high-performance facades make the building 56% more efficient than a baseline building and helped reduce its carbon footprint by 61%, earning it LEED Platinum certification. Data sensors, control systems, feedback loops and microgrid technology are incorporated so that RIT is able to monitor and inform building operations.

“This facility enables RIT to become a world-class hub for sustainability research and education,” says retired President Bill Destler. “It represents a new chapter in RIT’s commitment to serve as a major economic driver for our region, a leader in innovation and technologies, and a key partner with the community, government and industry.”