The new residence hall includes an ambitious environmental agenda, particularly given the location, as the CDE residence is designed to be the first Net Zero energy building on the Williams College campus. The roof supports over 300 PV cells, while 12 geothermal wells and VRF heat pumps contribute to energy efficiency for both heating and cooling. Each room is equipped with LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and efficient valence units. Sustainable materials are used throughout, and the envelope, designed to rigorous Passive House standards is super-insulated. Triple glazed windows, generously sized to compensate for winter daylight, offer views of the CDE academic building and the surrounding landscape, which includes rain gardens for storm water management.