Zumberge Hall receives LEED Silver Certification

James H. Zumberge Hall has been awarded LEED® Silver status by the U.S. Green Building Council, demonstrating Grand Valley's commitment to sustainable progress through innovative design and construction. LEED certification is based on several factors, including site sustainability, water efficiency, energy use, materials and resources, environmental quality and innovation in design.

The recent completion of the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons allowed the university the opportunity to repurpose the former James H. Zumberge Library into Zumberge Hall. A complete renovation of the existing 64,000 square feet and a 26,000-square-foot addition created the space to bring together, in one building, 15 administrative departments formally dispersed throughout campus.

The facility was completed in May 2014 as an administration hub to serve faculty, staff and students in one central location on the Allendale Campus.

In addition to energy efficient lighting, heating and air conditioning systems, the building features an extensive underground storm water retention management system to slow down the release of stormwater back into the natural environment minimizing erosion.

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

Grand Valley now owns and operates 19 LEED certified buildings and facilities with several more in progress.