Convocation Center wins Georgia Peach Award

Extra efforts toward energy and water conversation paid off for the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Convocation Center.

The center won the Georgia Peach Award for its design and construction. Juneau Construction built the center, which was designed by Lord Aeck Sargent Architects.

"Having this award for the UNG Convocation Center is a great honor and testament to the design and construction professionals who worked so diligently to achieve this rating," Ken Crowe, assistant vice president for facilities, said.

The Georgia Peach Award recognizes buildings owned or managed by the state that optimize energy efficiency and sustainable construction standards. Each project must meet specific guidelines to qualify for the award such as fundamental commissioning — where the building systems are tested for proper operation prior to occupancy — water-use reduction; and Georgia-based materials.

"The Convocation Center is the first UNG building to achieve this award, but it is our goal to pursue the award for all new projects," Crowe said.

The Convocation Center is a three-story, 103,000-square-foot multi-use facility. It features 3,600-plus arena seating, classrooms, human performance and strength and conditioning labs, physical therapy and athletic rooms, multi-purpose areas, concessions, locker rooms, and a team workout area.