The new campus will be the state’s first gold-certified LEED public building

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell today celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Gateway Community College campus in downtown New Haven, calling the $198 million project a critical step forward for Gateway students and faculty, the city and the state.

“The last two years have been economically challenging, to say the least,” Gov. Rell said. “The dreams and plans of many families, many businesses – and yes, many state and local governments, no matter how worthwhile – have had to be put on hold. Fortunately this project is not one of them, and for many good reasons.

“One thing we know for sure is that in this down economy, community colleges have been real agents of change,” the governor said. “They became an oasis for thousands of adults looking for new careers and direction. The emphasis is – as it should be – on ‘community.’ Those looking to advance in life are taking advantage of quality, affordable education right at their doorstep.

“The investment we make today is our investment in those people and will pay untold dividends in the future,” Gov. Rell said. “Students will have state-of-the-art learning environment. Their skills and education will bolster our work force – one which is already one of the most productive in the nation. The entire Gateway community will add to the vibrancy of downtown New Haven. And the cornerstone, something we can all take pride in, is the precedent this project will set for future buildings: When completed, the new campus will be the state’s first gold-certified LEED public building.”

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary standard for producing energy efficient buildings. As a LEED project, the new campus will utilize renewable and alternative energy technologies. Energy sources will include solar, hot water, and photovoltaics, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the demand on the existing energy utilities.

The project is being built at the site of the former Macy’s and Malley’s department stores at 2 Church St. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2012. (See attached rendering of the new Gateway CC.)

Also, read coverage in The New Haven Registe: Gateway project ‘on budget, on time,’ state official says – The New Haven Register.

“NEW HAVEN — Ceremonial ground was broken Tuesday for the new Gateway Community College in the downtown spot where Macy’s and Edw. Malley Co. department stores once stood, and officials gave an impressive summary of what the new facility will bring: a 50 percent increase in capacity, top energy efficiency standards, construction jobs and more consumers for area businesses.”