Yes, Penn State builds on brownfield sites, where possible. As outlined in the new Capital Plan, campus building projects are focused on prior plan renovation and re-building, which is considered brownfield building based on global standards, and on system renewals on existing sites.
Recent examples of brownfield construction:
- Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building is using an innovative design that takes into account site constraints — such as zoning height restrictions, mature tree locations, connections to existing sidewalk networks and service needs — along with the desire for a cohesive design with adjacent buildings.
- A renovation of the East Hall residential halls took place instead of building in a new location.
- Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Building built on site of former Henning Building
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building built on the site of former Fenske Laboratory
