Greer Environmental Sciences Center

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