Stanford University is lowering its carbon footprint by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas it introduces into the environment. With the opening of the Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Environment and Energy Building, the university is demonstrating its commitment to creating a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus.

Working with a design team from BOORA Architects of Portland, Ore., and Arup, an international consulting firm that provides planning, engineering and project management services, Ruskin provided key components of the passive air management system that takes advantage of one of nature’s basic laws – hot air rises, cold air drops.

“Through a creative use of stacked louvers in the atriums, we’re able to provide a system that automatically delivers cool air throughout the day while minimizing energy consumption,” said Tom Edwards, Ruskin President.

Each of the four atriums rises up 89 feet – 24 feet and 6 inches above the roof. At night, when the outside air drops to around 60F degrees, the louvers open. At the same time a computer analyzes the indoor air temperature and determines which windows within the building to open. Then, like a giant siphon, the louvers above each atrium pull the warm air up and discharge it out of the building.

For more information, visit: www.ruskin.com.