Building & Grounds

Buildings & Grounds Overview

We have developed sustainable design specifications to ensure energy-efficient building practices that reflect Hawai‘i’s unique climate and environment, for all campus projects. These specifications require construction methods which minimize our ecological footprint while creating high-performance student spaces. 

Sustainable Design Requirements for New Construction & Renovations:

  1. Reducing energy use and reliance on fossil fuels
  2. Maximize renewable energy production via rooftop solar or other means
  3. Achieve at least LEED Silver certification, with a goal of LEED Gold
  4. Use equipment and designs that qualify for Hawaii Energy rebates

Sustainable Campus Environments

Explore how building improvements, landscaping, and LEED-certified efforts support UH’s sustainability goals.

View our Progress

FAQs

LEED, short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. It provides a framework for creating healthy, efficient, and sustainable buildings. Achieving LEED certification demonstrates UH’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, lowering operating costs, and creating better spaces for people.

Why Sustainability Matters

Economic Impact

Â鶹´«Ã½ faces some of the highest energy rates in the United States due to its dependence on imported fossil fuel sources.

To provide the best web experience—especially for accessibility and SEO—I’ve broken this down into a standard descriptive alt text and a more detailed version for complex contexts. Image Description Short Alt Text (Recommended for general use) "A semi-circular gauge or speedometer divided into three color zones: green on the left, yellow in the middle, and red on the right. A dark blue needle points toward the far right into the red zone.

Environmental Stewardship

Â鶹´«Ã½’s unique ecosystem is one of a kind. Ensuring the health of our habitats and natural resources helps ensure our survival.

 

Hawaiʻi's Resilience

Support growth in the local economy through increased production to help insulate us from dependency on imports.