Arnett Hall, the first residence hall on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus to become LEED certified, has received the gold rating in LEED standards issued by the United States Green Building Council.
LEED certification is a U.S. benchmark for "green" building design, construction, operation and maintenance.
"We are proud to achieve LEED Gold certification and be able to renovate a residence hall to a higher sustainability standard," said Moe Tabrizi, campus energy conservation officer. "Arnett Hall now is significantly more energy and water efficient than an average, recently built building in this community."
Since the completion of Arnett Hall renovations in May 2008, the residence hall has experienced a 20 percent reduction in energy use and a 39 percent reduction in water use.
"Green" renovations made to Arnett Hall include the installation of insulation, double-pane windows, sensors that suspend heating and cooling systems when windows are opened, dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, aerators on faucets, energy-efficient lighting with automatic controls and carpet and other finishes made from recycled materials.
Arnett Hall also is close to the Basemar Shopping Center, providing energy conservation through easy pedestrian access to stores, and the complex is serviced by bio-fueled buses, according to Marina Florian, project manager for the Arnett Hall renovation.
"A combination of staff, engineers, design and construction team members contributed to making this the greenest, most sustainable project possible," said Tabrizi.
Other CU residence hall renovations that await LEED certification include Andrews Hall, completed last month, and Buckingham Hall, with an expected completion date of August 2010.