RIT’s First ‘Green Building’ Earns Official Certification

U.S. Green Building Council awards RIT LEED gold certification status

Rochester Institute of Technology’s new College of Applied Science and Technology building has officially turned “green,” earning the U.S. Green Building Council’s Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, commonly called LEED, certification.

LEED is the most widely accepted rating system for evaluating sustainable, high-performance buildings and gold is the second highest of four levels of LEED certification. The College of Applied Science and Technology building is only the 16th building in New York state to achieve this level of environmental recognition. It is the second university building to earn the honor.

“This type of recognition demonstrates that RIT does not just preach sustainability, we embrace sustainability,” says RIT President Bill Destler. “We look forward to continuing to lead the world toward a sustainable future.”

The building features unique energy and water-saving design strategies, which include rainwater reuse systems and lighting and climate control systems that reduce demand for energy and water. These systems reduce annual water use by an estimated 70 percent and annual electric use by an estimated 21 percent.

The building excelled in the “Innovation in Design” category, where it was commended for providing sustainable educational opportunities, implementing a green cleaning program and establishing a curriculum that uses the building as a teaching tool.

“Not only will our new building benefit the environment, but the learning that takes place within the building will also benefit the environment for years to come,” says Fred Walker, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology. “That’s what makes us most proud.”

The 43,000 square-foot building, which opened in April, is home to the college’s Department of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering Technology and the Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety.

For more information about LEED certification, visit www.usgbc.org/LEED.


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