The 2013-built Rev. Daniel G. Gambet, OSFS, Center for Business and Healthcare has received certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Building Certification Institute for meeting its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
To reach certification, a structure must accumulate a point total of at least 40 by receiving credits for its characteristics that are environmentally and energy-progressive.
The Gambet Center was granted 42 points across numerous categories, including reduced water usage, certified wood for building, low solar-absorbing roof coloration, preferred parking for low-emission vehicles, 90% recyclable construction waste, installation of bicycle racks, multiple thermostat controls, outdoor air delivery monitoring, and regionally produced building materials, among several others.
The building was designed with LEED certification in mind because of the manifold benefits both in the present and long term that come with adhering to the necessary standards.
“Constructing a building according to LEED standards is favorable for sustainability and environmental aspects, as well as from a financial standpoint, because you’re using less energy,” said Marc Albanese, associate vice president of campus environment. “And you’re looking at a healthier building for the occupants.”
Green Building Certification Institute inspectors visited and commissioned the Gambet Center in the fall of 2014 and officially granted it certification this spring.
“All of our future buildings will be built to LEED standards,” Albanese said. “We’re firmly committed in the principles of LEED.”