As the Institute continues to grow, additional steps are being taken to ensure that sustainable choices are being made while constructing new buildings and updating older ones. The administration is making a concerted effort to choose the most environmentally responsive options on every level of the construction and maintenance processes.

It is established practice at RIT that all new buildings will be:

1. Designed to LEED specification with a minimum achievement of LEED Silver certification
2. Designed based on a carefully prepared Owner's Project Requirement (OPR) and Base of Design (BOD) documentation
3. Designed based on the customized energy modeling input
4. Completed with design thoroughly reviewed by internal engineering team
5. Engaged in the NYSERDA energy incentives program
6. Commissioned with 'zero defect' goal, confirmed throughout basic and extended commissioning
7. Commissioned with full resolution of all punch list items
8. Followed up with a survey of building occupants to establish a level of satisfaction in building use and its comfort
9. Equipped with a demonstration of building's energy performance indicative of the energy use in 'average kW per square foot' of floor space

Please click on the links below to learn more about sustainability in new construction projects and existing buildings, as well as two important initiatives: NYSERDA and LEED.