PSU in-action
green building
As part of the University-wide Environmental Stewardship Initiative that “strives to identify specific actions and objectives aimed at conducting the university’s business in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and moves the university toward sustainable practices," Penn State had adopted the policy that all major building projects at Penn State achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) certification.
In charge of the planning, design, construction and operation of the university’s facilities, Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant (OPP) bears the primary responsibility for ensuring that this LEED certification mandate is met. With the experience of building several LEED certified projects under its belt, OPP has been charged with prioritizing LEED points and establishing a guideline for design consultants to follow on future projects.
Penn State's LEED buildings
- The Stuckeman Family Center for the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
This is the first building on campus to achieve LEED gold status. It was completed during the summer of 2005. - School of Forest Resources Building
This building achieved a LEED silver rating. It was completed during the spring of 2006. - Medlar Field at Lubrano Park
Penn State's Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is the first baseball stadium in the world to be honored for its LEED certification. It was completed during the summer of 2006.
What LEED certification?
LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. LEED certified buildings meet certain high standards for indoor air quality, energy and water conservation. A percentage of the materials are recycled, renewable or locally-sourced materials. The LEED rating system was developed and is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based, nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders. There are 4 levels of certification: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Certified.
Stuckeman Family Building, School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture