Green Technology

The Patrick T. Harker Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (ISE) Laboratory hosts environmentally conscious qualities that mark the future of our campus. In 2007, former President Patrick Harker signed the President’s Climate Commitment document; along with hundreds of other higher education institutions who have committed to certain reductions of greenhouse gases. The ISE building is the first of its kind to meet such standards and with its unique design; it combines the historic architecture of the University of Delaware with a new modern aesthetic with the makeup of granite and metal. According to the United States Green Building Council, the building meets several standards, such as improving energy performance and utilizing recycled materials. The building unites the indoors with the outdoors via the large windows and courtyard; creating an educational space that can occur seamlessly throughout both spaces. The landscape contains non-invasive, native and non-native species which can survive without irrigation in extreme wet and dry conditions. In addition, stormwater retention units filter and slow the process of rainwater entering the main waterways, decreasing the chance of flooding and improving the water quality.