Photo by Jennifer Manna

Robert Lewis Kahn Hall is part of the First Year Residential Experience Cluster and is focused on sustainable living. The U.S. Green Building Council has certified Kahn Hall with its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating, signifying that the hall has met certain criteria such as water efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Kahn Hall combines both sophisticated and simple green features -- including an interlock system that automatically shuts off heat and air conditioning when windows are opened; high-efficiency washers and dryers; clotheslines in the laundry room; and bins for recycling and composting. First-year students living in Kahn Hall apply to live in the space and have pledged to make sustainability part of their everyday life by trying to conserve water and energy, reduce waste, avoid bringing cars to campus, and minimize their negative impact on the environment. In each wing of the building, students can monitor their energy and water use in real time.