LEED Certification
Taking the LEED in Sustainable Design
The University of Iowa will seek Gold certification of the College of Public Health Academic Building within the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The LEED rating system is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance "green" buildings.
A Healthy Approach
LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and productivity. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, in the United States alone, buildings account for:
- 65% of electricity consumption,
- 36% of energy use,
- 30% of greenhouse gas emissions,
- 30% of raw materials use,
- 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
- 12% of potable water consumption.
Embracing Sustainable Practices
The College of Public Health Academic Building will emphasize sustainable design principles and green technology, such as:
- reflective roofing,
- maximal use of natural lighting,
- storm drainage that uses vegetation and landscaping rather than curbs and gutters,
- and native species planting areas.
In addition, the building location earns LEED credits for:
- staying within city limits,
- its proximity to public transportation routes,
- and incorporating features that promote the use of alternative transportation, such as bicycle storage areas and changing rooms.
During demolition of the building previously occupying the site:
- 75 percent of non-hazardous debris was diverted from the landfill and repurposed through recycling centers,
- dust from the demolition process was specially managed and kept to a minimum.
Links
U.S. Green Building Council - http://www.usgbc.org/
U.S. Green Building Council - Iowa Chapter - http://chapters.usgbc.org/iowa/