All buildings on the University of Chicago campus require electricity, heating, and cooling. Natural gas and electricity consumption in buildings make up the majority of University greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, high performance buildings are a top priority for Facilities Services and the Office of Sustainability. To address these impacts, the University integrated significant sustainability requirements into the (FS)² Facilities Services Facility Standards, ensuring that sustainability is a top priority for all
campus buildings. The University requires LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification for all new construction projects on campus greater than $5 million USD in construction costs. LEED is a green building certification program administered by the United States Green Building Council. LEED certification aims to improve building performance across a number of areas, including energy and water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. View a list of LEED
certified buildings on campus here.