LEED Certification
Taking the LEED in Sustainable Design
The University of Iowa will seek 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. Not only will the building’s sustainable design present educational opportunities and save long-term operating costs, the structure also will serve as a showcase for sustainability and raise environmental awareness within the University community.
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.
Sustainable Design Principles
The College of Public Health Academic Building will emphasize sustainable design principles and green technology, such as:
- reflective roofing,
- maximal use of natural lighting,
- permeable paving systems that reduce and clean up runoff,
- storm drainage that uses vegetation and landscaping rather than curbs and gutters,
- and native species planting areas.
Links
U.S. Green Building Council
http://www.usgbc.org/
U.S. Green Building Council - Iowa Chapter
http://chapters.usgbc.org/iowa/