This 44,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility provides unprecedented opportunities for students while fostering regional collaboration with organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Virginia Institute for Marine Science (VIMS).
Organized thematically around the earth's four spheres – atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere – the Greer Environmental Sciences Center features sophisticated indoor and outdoor learning spaces that embody "science on display" and promote hands-on experiences, interactive learning and interdisciplinary research.
Four large teaching laboratories related to the Earth's spheres
- Ecology and Marine Biology lab
- Earth Science lab
- Atmospheric and Oceanography lab
- Analytical Chemistry lab with instrumentation
Dedicated research labs
- Chesapeake Bay Fish lab
- Geology and Hydrology lab
- Nutrient Analysis lab
- Trace Metal Analysis clean room
- Environmental Imaging suite
- Geographic Information System (GIS) classroom
Strategically-Placed sustainable features accessible to students
- Geothermal system for heating, cooling and domestic hot water
- Array of photovoltaic panels
- Extensive green roof
- Greenhouse and research gardens
- Landscaping featuring native plantings, wildlife habitats
- Vegetated bioretention basins, constructed wetlands for stormwater runoff
Versatile teaching and learning spaces
- 50-person, tiered lecture room
- Two 36-person active learning classrooms
- Two 20-person seminar rooms
- Formal and informal study spaces located throughout