The Sacramento Business Journal has awarded the American River Courtyard residence hall with the New Public Project award for the building’s energy efficiency and “green” standards.

Every August, the Sacramento Business Journal holds a contest to find the best real estate projects of the year. The panel of seven judges consists of experts in development, sales, construction, design and engineering. The judges spent three days touring the finalists.Ron Trujillo, editor of the Sacramento Business Journal, said the ARC is raising the bar in terms of energy efficiency.

“A lot of local projects are attempting to become energy efficient, but the American River Courtyard took it to the next step,” Trujillo said.

Around 40 buildings were nominated for the award and were split into categories according to building style. The ARC won in its category, which consisted of 15 other nominated projects.

ARC, the new residence hall that opened last semester, is the first building on campus to be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a rating system established in 2008 by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new residence hall was designated “green,” which means it reduces negative environmental impacts.

This is the second time the ARC has received recognition this semester for its energy efficiency. In January, SMUD presented a check of nearly $75,000 as a part of the Savings by Design program, which rewards buildings that exceed the energy efficiency standards of the state.

In an interview with the Sacramento Business Journal, Jon Walker, senior vice president of Grubb & Ellis Commercial Real Estate and a judge on the award panel, said developers of the ARC used public funds rightly.

The ARC’s design was influenced by student feedback during the planning stages of the building, according to a Sac State Public Affairs press release.

Angela Murdoch of housing procurement in Housing and Residential Life said student input have greatly influenced the development of the ARC.

“We did multiple surveys and focus groups including various types of students, who expressed the need for some of the aspects you see today in the American River Courtyard,” Murdoch said.

Students and parents took part in focus groups in 2005 to determine the planning stages for the ARC. The focus groups allowed for student input as to what would persuade them to stay at Sac State.

Murdoch said the surveys indicated the need for more natural lighting and common area space. This was satisfied by the center courtyard, which allows students to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the complex.

“Many students who took part in our focus groups expressed the need for independence as far as preparing meals, but many of them were also in favor of keeping their meal plans,” Murdoch said. “This allowed for such things as a kitchenette in the suites, along with a structured meal plan.”

Some students in the focus groups also talked about the need for more personal space, Murdoch said. This created the studio and single-occupancy apartment-style suites that house four or five students. rooms are offered.

“We are very proud of the new building, and being recognized was a good chance to show it to the community,” Murdoch said.

Ricky Alejandro can be reached at [email protected].