Campus buildings receieve LEED certifications
Courtesy photo / rockfordconstruction.com Pictured above, campus dining and living center, The Connection, has received LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
May 23, 2011
Grand Valley State University’s 2010 housing projects and The Connection dining hall have both received the internationally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The U.S. Green Building Council awards LEED certifications to environmentally sustainable construction projects worldwide.
With 279,974 square feet, the 2010 Housing project provides rooms for 600 students and achieved the LEED Gold certification while the 24,000 square-foot food service and classroom building, The Connection, was awarded the LEED Silver certification. For its use of porous concrete pavement, the 2010 housing projects have also received an Award of Excellence from the Michigan Concrete Association.
“We are certainly pleased to receive LEED certification for the Connections and our 2010 Housing project,” said Tim Thimmesch, vice president of facilities services. “This represents the University’s ongoing values and commitment to sustainable construction projects that offer lower energy operating costs and quality living and learning environments.”
The buildings feature energy efficient lighting, heating and air conditioning systems as well as landscaping that requires minimal irrigation with expansive storm water management systems. In addition, all four buildings have special paints that minimize the release of hazardous by-products.
As of 2011, GVSU now owns and operates 15 LEED certified buildings and facilities. LEED projects at GVSU account for about 10 percent of the LEED certified projects in the West Michigan area.
