Housing and Campus Dining buildings receive LEED certifications

To demonstrate a continued commitment to sustainability at Grand Valley, The Connection and the 2010 Housing Project buildings received LEED certifications. The leased space at the Bicycle Factory was also upgraded to Gold status.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that certifies environmentally sustainable construction projects.

The 2010 Housing Project, which encompasses 279,974 square feet and provides housing for 600 students, achieved LEED Gold certification and received an Award of Excellence from the Michigan Concrete Association for the extensive use of porous concrete pavement. The Connection, a 24,000 square-foot food service and classroom building, achieved LEED Silver certification.

James Moyer, assistant vice president of Facilities Services, said energy, water and building location are major factors of consideration of LEED certifications. “The choices we make today will benefit the university in the short and long term,” he said.

In addition to energy efficient lighting and heating and air conditioning systems, the buildings feature landscaping that requires minimal irrigation and has an expansive stormwater management system. All four buildings have special paints that minimize the release of hazardous by-products.

Grand Valley now owns and operates 15 LEED certified buildings and facilities. In addition, Grand Valley engineering students contributed to the construction of a LEED Silver certified single family home in Grand Rapids in 2005.

LEED projects at Grand Valley accounts for approximately 10 percent of the LEED certified projects in the West Michigan area.