First all-encompassing LEED certified university

MERCED, CA — The University of California at Merced has become the first university in the United States to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for every building on campus, according to Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine.


For the fourth time since 2007, another building on campus was awarded LEED Gold certification, the story stated.


Thomas Lollini, associate vice chancellor for physical planning, design and construction, said: "Earning Gold certification for a structure as complex as the Science & Engineering Building is a major achievement for the design and construction team. With four of our first five buildings earning Gold certification, we now believe we can raise our previous minimum standard from Silver to Gold."


Each campus building meets the requirements of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in the fields of water and energy usage, natural lighting, air quality, waste diversion and recycling, the story noted.


The only facility on campus that is not LEED Gold certified is the Valley Terraces and Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Commons, which was awarded LEED Silver certification, the story added.