Carroll’s Hastad Hall becomes a sustainability pioneer

Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Carroll University’s new nursing, exercise science and physics/engineering facility, is more than just shiny and new. Following Carroll’s long history of pioneering success, Hastad Hall has become the first campus building to be LEED certified.

The LEED Silver certification, otherwise known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a popular worldwide rating system that embodies achievement in sustainability. The creation of Hastad Hall was the second phase in a multi-phase project to improve facilities on campus which began with the opening of Michael and Mary Jaharis Science Laboratories back in 2016.

Designed by BWBR, Hastad Hall stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to an enriched academic experience through state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation nursing labs, classrooms and collaboration spaces—all within the 38,224 square-foot building.

The facility itself features demand control ventilation which significantly reduces the building’s energy usage. Along with its efficient ventilation system, Hastad Hall also boasts LED lighting that is based on daylight harvesting, thermally efficient windows and a water reduction strategy which has led to 44.8 percent decrease in estimated water usage.

Hastad Hall also features a green roof which helps manage storm-water runoff while minimizing the heat island effect of the roof. The roof’s greenery compliments the rooftop patio which offers a space to host an event while admiring the campus below.

Carroll University President, Cindy Gnadinger, spoke on the design and innovative success of the building stating, “We worked closely with our partners at BWBR to create a facility that is cutting edge in terms of both academic excellence and sustainability. We are proud that Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall has been certified LEED Silver in recognition of those efforts.”

“There are many ways the word ‘leadership’ can be applied to Carroll University, Wisconsin’s first higher education institution,” said Tom Hanley, part of the American Institute of Architects, LEED Accredited Professional, principal and architect at BWBR. “Hastad Hall adds another dimension to that definition, showcasing Carroll’s commitment to both smart design and long-term thinking that will influence students for decades to come.”

This is not the last step in Carroll’s mission of renovation and advancement. The historic Rankin Hall has also undergone major interior improvements in pursuit of an LEED v4 BD+C Major Renovation, which would elevate campus efficiency even further.

Learn more about Carroll's nursing, exercise science and applied physics/engineering programs.