DATE: 11-10-06

CONTACT: George Askew, Baruch Institute, 843-546-1013, gaskew@clemson.edu

Janette Alexander, LS3P, 843-577-4444, janettealexander@ls3p.com

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, 864-650-2233, ddalhou@clemson.edu

Facilities improvements to meet changing environmental needs on the coast

CLEMSON’S BARUCH INSTITUTE EXPANDS ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CAPABILITY

GEORGETOWN – As more people and businesses move to South Carolina’s coast, more natural lands are being converted to urban uses. Scientists at Clemson University’s Baruch Institute on Coastal Ecology and Forest Science have studied the coastal environment for nearly 40 years, including the environmental impact of changing land-use patterns, coastal natural resource conservation, forestry, water quality and watershed management.

Their research provides information to help public policy decision-makers manage growth issues so the state’s coastal environment can be preserved for future generations. The Clemson scientists at Baruch have memoranda of understanding with public and private organizations that grants access to more than 80,000 acres of coastal lands for collaborative research and education programs.

Now, the Institute’s capabilities are being improved and expanded to support the growing need for coastal environmental research. On
Thursday, Nov. 9, Clemson and Georgetown officials broke ground for new research and education facilities at the Baruch Institute. The improvements are funded through a $5 million appropriation from the S.C. General Assembly. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2007 with a projected completion date of March 2008.

The project will refurbish existing laboratories for research on water quality, forest productivity, and the impact of urban growth on the environment. It will also add an approximately 12,000 square-foot conference and education facility equipped with two-way videoconferencing capabilities for distance education.

“The videoconferencing and ‘smart classroom’ capability will allow Baruch faculty members to conduct conferences or teach students at remote locations,” said George Askew, director of the Institute. “It will also allow graduate students who conduct research at Baruch to participate in classes taught on Clemson’s main campus.”

The new conference and education center was designed by LS3P Associates in Charleston. “This facility will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification requirements set by the U.S. Green Building Council,” said Janette Alexander, lead designer. “The LEED system is emerging as the new design standard because it emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.”

In addition, landscaping for the new facility will demonstrate storm water management techniques and the use of coastal plants for home landscapes.

“We appreciate the General Assembly’s support on this facility,” said John Kelly, Clemson University vice president for public service and agriculture. “Clemson’s Baruch Institute is in a unique position to work with coastal policy makers to provide the research and education programs that South Carolina needs for wise coastal growth.”

PROJECT SCOPE

Refurbish existing 7,000 square-foot office and laboratory facility
New laboratories for water quality and environmental research

Construct new conference and education facility (approx. 12,000 square feet)
Large meeting room for workshops and symposia
Conference rooms for small meetings
Smart classroom for videoconferencing and distance education
Office space for resident faculty, visiting faculty, and visiting scientists

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Baruch Institute Groundbreaking
Left to right: George Geer, Baruch Foundation board of trustees; John Kelly, Clemson vice president for public service and agriculture; George Askew, Clemson Baruch Institute director; Lawly Ford, Pate Foundation board of directors; Ron Charlton, Georgetown County Council; Dr. J.J. Britton, Clemson University board of trustees; George Chastain, Baruch Foundation executive director

Baruch Institute model

Baruch Institute rendering

Baruch Institute floorplan