Lee Honor College gets LEED certification

Kathy Jennings | Thursday, September 25, 2014

Lee Honor College

Western Michigan University prides itself on its practices in sustainability and how green its buildings are. The school recently earned one more recognition for its vigilance in such areas.

The building that houses WMU's Lee Honors College has been awarded LEED silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the 10th building on campus to receive LEED certification and 10 more are currently in the certification process.

"With 20 buildings either completed or going through the certification process, WMU is a leader in the state and region for LEED-certified buildings," says Peter J. Strazdas, WMU associate vice president for facilities management. "As WMU continues to focus on its sustainability goals, our Facilities Management department team will continue to be successful in gaining LEED-building certifications and reducing overall energy costs."

LEED is considered the national benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. To receive certification it must be shown that the building meets rigorous standards for sustainability, water and energy efficiency, resource selection, and environmental quality.

Soon WMU students will have a chance to learn more about the LEED certification process. Details are being worked out to offer a graduate class that can give students the opportunity to obtain practical experience in certifying buildings. Those enrolled in the class will assist WMU in the detailed process of collecting the data on existing campus buildings that is required for them to earn LEED certification.

Jaime Van Mourik, Green Building Council director of higher education; professional staff members in Facilities Management; and Dr. Osama Abudayyeh, WMU professor and chair of civil and construction engineering are collaborating on the class.

Source: Jeanne Baron, Western Michigan University