The Brown & White

Construction on the Science, Technology, Environment, Policy & Society (STEPS) building will begin in August, and not in 2009 as originally planned, according to a Lehigh press release.

Because of the projected inflationary impact on the project if delayed, Lehigh decided to forego the wait and begin construction immediately. The university will apply for construction permits in early July in order to construct the new 135,000-square-foot facility at the corner of West Packer Avenue and Vine Street, the press release said.

Beginning construction immediately will allow for the most efficient and effective building plan, allowing Lehigh to maximize its financial investment as construction industry costs continue to escalate. Under the new schedule, the university anticipates a June 2010 opening, the press release said.

The STEPS facility - with a design that is certifiable under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System - is the largest undertaking of its kind in the university's 143-year history, with an estimated $62.1 million price tag for construction and all relevant costs. However, Lehigh is also creating several academic positions and research opportunities as part of the STEPS initiative.

The school is creating endowed chairs for faculty members engaged in science, technology, environment, policy and society; undergraduate research fellowships to provide opportunities for meaningful research in related fields; and endowed graduate fellowships for pre-doctoral students in related fields, according to the press release.

"This is a period of transformation for Lehigh, as we recognize the increasingly complex challenges facing our world today and commit to creating future leaders who can address society's most pressing issues," Lehigh president Alice P. Gast said in the press release. "STEPS is a cornerstone of this transformation, and will provide the human capital and stimulating environment needed to foster teaching opportunities and breakthroughs in environmental research."

Vice president for advancement Joseph P. Kender, Jr. said that Lehigh has already met with potential donors for the project, stressing the importance of the initiative.

"There is significant interest in supporting an effort that can lead to solutions to challenging problems such as the environment and energy, and we're confident we can raise the necessary funds while the building is being constructed," Kender said in the press release.