Many people still think of the three R’s when it comes to education. We think E, G and C. Environmental, Geotechnical and Construction Materials. SME has been providing these services to educational clients for over 40 years. The educational landscape has changed dramatically – scarce resources, wireless networks, instructional flexibility, sustainability, environmentally friendly design – but our commitment to safe, clean, well-built sites and schools has not.

For many schools and universities, enhancing the learning experience and integrating new technology and sustainable design concepts means making better use of what they have. SME works with administrators, architects, construction managers, and contractors to maximize land use, buildings and infrastructure.

Specialized services include environmental site assessments, geotechnical evaluations and foundation recommendations, construction materials services, hazardous materials assessments and remediation, geothermal studies, pavement and roofing management programs, independent facility condition audits and property assessments, indoor air quality consulting, buildings and athletic field bleacher studies, and renovation / rehabilitation improvement recommendations.

SME has positively impacted learning at the University of Michigan for over 35 years. Over 250 projects with SME, from small renovations to expansion of the “Big House” (U of M stadium) and construction of the North Quad Residential and Academic complex and the Ross School of Business – the newest green building on campus -- continue to enhance U of M’s amaiz’in legacy as “leaders and best.”


Learning to be green

We are committed to helping educators make the best choices to achieve sustainability for their site, building and budget. The Ross School of Business is registered for LEED certification and incorporates green rooftops to reduce stormwater runoff and heat gain, and includes a variety of sustainable design features including special glass to limit heat absorption and enhance natural sunlight. Across town in Southfield, the Taubman Student Services Center at Lawrence Technological University also sports a vegetated roof and a bioswale to manage water runoff, and uses geothermal energy for heating and cooling. This building was awarded silver LEED certification.

K-12 schools have also benefited from SME’s green know how. Battle Creek High School is another example of how we’re helping Battle Creek become a sustainable city. The high school was ready to retrofit their building with a horizontal closed loop geothermal heating and cooling system until SME proposed changing to an open loop system. Why the change? We knew that the school is located on a productive aquifer. Our knowledge of local conditions will save the high school thousands of dollars in construction costs. That’s one more way SME makes the grade for Battle Creek.

Access to green technologies and new ways for teaching and learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. SME takes responsibility for balancing the interests of educators, students and the community. After all, we really are all in this together. When Johnny and Sue master the three R’s, our sustainable world opens up more.

For more information contact an SME office near you.
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Click here for a list of representative projects.





© Copyright 2009 Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc.