NEW YORK—A sustainable classroom, set to become the norm at Baruch College, CUNY, is the beginning of a push to become the top green campus in the nation.
The Pergolis classroom is a prototype born out of the Steven L. Newman real estate division of the college.
It’s not just about energy efficient light bulbs, but also draws in natural light. The chairs sport recycled covers, the paint, glues, and finishes are non-toxic, the carpet is recycled, and the podium is a whole new generation of smart technology.
Altogether it makes a palpable difference as soon as you walk in the door. “The air is different, the feel is different,” said Jack Nyman, the institute’s director. “It’s really a statement about where the college is going and a statement to the real estate industry.”
According to a recent study by McGraw-Hill, the real estate industry is also turning green. The report said 70 percent of consumers would be more inclined to purchase a green home in a down market.
“Green building is now a multinational, global-level phenomenon,” the report said. “It is likely that green will reach the mainstream of the global marketplace and achieve critical mass.”
