Opened in February 2008, the Bates dining Commons is environmentally friendly in many ways.

Ample access to daylight and occupancy sensors that control room lighting help control energy consumption. “Dual-flush” toilets can reduce water for flushing by two-thirds.

Recycled and certified-green building materials were used in the structure’s construction, and its design facilitates recycling of a variety of materials during the everyday use of the building. The building’s summer ventilation is primarily natural — air is cooled mechanically only in the hottest parts of the kitchen.