Buildings
Each of the 114 buildings that make up the University of Chicago campus requires electricity, heating, cooling, cleaning, and maintenance. Emissions resulting from the operation and maintenance of these buildings represent in large measure our carbon footprint as an institution. To help reduce these emissions, the University has implemented the Sustainable Building Policy (PDF), using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system, which aims to improve building performance across a number of significant metrics, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality.
Read more about the Sustainable Building Policy, which will create significant changes by maximizing both environmental and economic return on investment through design, construction, and maintenance standards to improve resource conservation and create healthy work and living spaces in a way that’s meaningful for the people who will study, teach, or work in our buildings.
Taking the LEED on Sustainability
The University has already achieved LEED Gold Certification for commercial interiors of the renovated 6045 S. Kenwood Building (90,591 square feet). The newly renovated Searle Chemistry Laboratory (90,236 square feet) has recently received LEED Gold Certification. The Reva and David Logan Center for Creative and Performing Arts has also been awarded LEED Gold Certification.
Other UChicago buildings in line for LEED Certification include:
