The University of 麻豆传媒 has 28 buildings certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, part of the nation’蝉 green building standards, which is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.
“We have the largest inventory of sustainably designed buildings out of all the state agencies, and we are about to increase our inventory by 14%, once again leading by example,” said Miles Topping, director of energy management.
The certification system evaluates projects across multiple categories, including energy efficiency, water use, materials selection, waste management and indoor environmental quality. To achieve certification, projects must first meet prerequisite requirements and then earn points by meeting specific sustainability criteria. Projects undergo a verification and review process before being awarded one of four certification levels: certified, silver, gold or platinum.
UH System ratings
Across the UH system, certified facilities include two platinum, 14 gold, 10 silver, and two certified buildings, reflecting the university’蝉 commitment to sustainability and efficient campus development.
UH has adopted green building practices that require new construction and major renovation projects to meet LEED standards, with a minimum certification target of silver. These standards are incorporated into university policy to ensure sustainability is integrated into the planning and design of campus facilities.
Several upcoming UH Mānoa construction projects also aim to meet the LEED Silver standard, including the Student Success Center, the Bachman Hall renovation, the Seed Lab, and the Snyder Hall Replacement Building. Once completed, these additions are expected to increase the university’蝉 LEED-certified building inventory by 14%, growing from 28 to 32 certified facilities.
While LEED projects may involve slightly higher upfront construction costs due to sustainable design and materials, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. Many certified buildings incorporate features such as low-flow toilets and faucets to conserve water, bike facilities, natural landscaping and energy-efficient systems, including renewable energy technologies.