LEED–Certified Buildings

UMD shows leadership through LEED construction

The UMD Civil Engineering Building, currently under construction, will be a LEED-certified "green building". LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a "green building" rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council

The Civil Engineering Building will be designed to meet LEED certification--a rigorous process that evaluates the environmental sustainability of building design, construction and operation. The LEED checklist consists of five major areas: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Forest Stewardship Council certified wood will be used in the construction process, as well as materials from the greater Duluth area. Recycled materials will also be incorporated into the building’s design. Using low-emitting materials, such as paints, carpets, adhesives, sealants, and composite wood, is another factor in the construction process. Sensors on water efficient faucets will reduce water consumption by up to 70%.

Construction is expected to be completed in January 2010.

The Labovitz School of Business and Economicss [Map]is the first new University of Minnesota building, and one of only seven business schools in the nation, to achieve LEED Gold certification.

The building is organized around a three-story, sky lit common area surrounded by a two-level administrative block, a large 150-seat auditorium and an instructional wing containing classrooms for 40 and 60 students. The design serves to harvest daylight and reduce the building's energy consumptions while providing views to the surrounding wetlands and Lake Superior.

Low-flow sinks and lavatories have reduced water use by 27% in the building. Other construction highlights include 78% of construction waste being diverted from the landfill, and 19% of total building materials are made from renewable resources.

The building opened in September 2008.

The UMD Life Sciences Building [Map] also qualifies for LEED certification under the “NC”, or new construction and major renovations category. Beginning March 2006, major remodeling began on the existing building. According to John Rashid, UMD Manager of Construction & Operations, this involved an almost complete gutting of the building and the replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems. Work on this building was completed in September 2007.