New Haven, CT The Academic Science & Laboratory Building at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) has been certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)  Gold. The building and the faculty effort was recognized by Business New Haven in 2016 for its unique environmental properties with a CT Green Business Award.

The 104,000 s/f building was originally targeted for LEED Silver, by the university. All new academic buildings in Connecticut must meet the LEED Silver environmental standards. According to Centerbrook Architects, the designer of the building, it scored 63 points on the LEED scale to earn the BD+C (Building Design + Construction) Gold.

The LEED certification system was established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2000 to evaluate and encourage environmental awareness and implementation in new and renovated buildings.

Among the environmental design elements was the reduction of water use. Centerbrook says the design resulted 34% saving on its energy consumption and water use by 20%. The water savings were achieved in part by a rainwater collection system that reduces the amount of potable water used to irrigate the  building’s quad by more than 60%.

“Science laboratory buildings present significant challenges from a sustainability standpoint, especially one with 76 fume hoods, as this one had,” said Centerbrook partner Jefferson Riley, FAIA.

SCSU resident Joe Bertolino said,  “This is our second LEED Gold recognition at Southern – the first was awarded for our new home for the School of Business – and adds to our growing reputation as an environmentally friendly campus.”