LG Electronics USA is the leading technology provider for the “GreenZone,” a featured exhibit at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo 2016 in Los Angeles this week. After this week’s display, the 15’x40′ prefabricated modular facility, which was designed to LEED standards, will be relocated to the Compton YouthBuild campus in Compton, CA. There, the structure and its contents will serve as a community learning center. YouthBuild focuses on helping low-income young people and others learn construction skills through building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people in their neighborhoods and other community assets such as schools, playgrounds, and community centers.
The GreenZone showcases LG’s development of sustainable technologies for greener buildings. The structure will be used by Compton YouthBuild to expand its construction training program and outreach.
Air Conditioning System. LG’s duct-free air conditioning system installed in the GreenZone module is designed to provide comfort, convenience, and efficiency for the Compton YouthBuild center. The ENERGY STAR certified multi-zone system (composed of outdoor model LMU36CHV matched with two indoor units, model LSN180HSV4) operates efficiently and quietly due to the LG Inverter variable-speed compressor. The system uses refrigerant piping instead of air ducts, which reduces installation costs and offers flexibility for zoned cooling capabilities. With two indoor units, occupants can use just the air conditioning needed in each zone.
LED Lighting. Providing efficient and flexible lighting for the Compton YouthBuild community center are LG’s “Simple Choice Wireless LED troffers” with Sensor Connect technology. A highlight of the GreenZone, they offer integrated daylight and occupancy sensors as well as customizable light levels for greater energy savings. With three system integration options including ZigBee® open standards protocol, fixtures can be individually controlled via a simple smartphone mobile app.
Commercial Displays. To enhance the learning experience at the Compton YouthBuild center, 65″ and 55″ class LG commercial displays are optimized for high-definition video and computer applications. Supporting the GreenZone’s green education mission, model 55LX341C is ENERGY STAR certified, saving over 20% more energy on average than conventional models.
Sustainable Countertops. Also featured in the GreenZone Compton YouthBuild community center are natural countertops from LG Electronics’ sister company LG Hausys. Composed of 93 percent quartz, one of the earth’s hardest minerals, the seamless and non-porous countertops have no crevices, reducing bacteria and mold. Their jumbo size, up to 130 x 63 inches, allows for designs with fewer seams. The LG Hausys “Viatera” quartz surface is low maintenance and does not require sealing.
“The GreenZone at Greenbuild 2016 is the ideal platform to highlight how LG’s broad product portfolio — from air conditioning to appliances to LED lighting and more — helps designers and builders create more sustainable buildings,” said William Cho, president and CEO, LG Electronics USA. “This project, which benefits Compton YouthBuild’s terrific education programs, also represents a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community.”
Kimberly Lewis, USGBC’s senior vice president of community advancement, called the GreenZone “a magnificent example of what is possible for sustainability in the classroom.” She said, “This classroom serves as a living demonstration of the benefits of green building for the Compton community, while providing a much needed space for the Compton YouthBuild students to learn about the importance of sustainability.”
Designed by HDR Architecture and built by MODS PDX in Portland, Ore., the 600-square-foot prefabricated classroom will provide indoor/outdoor workspaces for students to learn hands-on construction skills. The 15×40-foot structure features a kitchenette, a deck, and handicap ramp access. “The project team took considerable effort to ensure that the learning environment would support project-based collaborative learning to engage the students while illustrating sustainable design that will position them for 21st Century jobs,” said HDR Design Principal Kate Diamond.