LEED® Certification

UCI Environment Institute / Facilities Management Project Awarded Prestigious LEED® Green Building Certification

The Facilities Management Renovation Team, in partnership with the UCI Environment Institute, announced the first renovation project at UCI achieving LEED® Gold (level of certification) established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s certification program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

The project was a renovation within the Multipurpose Science and Technology Building to create space for the newly formed Environment Institute under Director Michael Prather. Initiated in August 2008, construction started in April 2009 and was completed in July 2009. There were many special materials and construction techniques employed as well as documentation to achieve the credits necessary to obtain Gold certification.

LEED certification of the Environment Institute was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively affect the project itself and the broader community. The system awards credits based on various categories. The Environment Institute project achieved LEED Gold certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use, and a variety of other sustainable strategies. LEED certified projects save money for the University and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for students, faculty, staff, and the larger campus community. The Environment Institute website has an interactive display of some of the features of the renovation.

The UC Irvine Environment Institute: Global Change, Energy, and Sustainable Resources provides office space for UC Irvine faculty and staff, campus affiliates, and visiting faculty.  In addition, the Institute houses a library space, a conference room, and a seminar room with a technology-enhanced presentation system.  From conceptual design of the interior renovations through project construction and completion, the Institute’s team implemented sustainable approaches, strategies, and solutions. 

The completed Institute space presents an opportunity to promote public education and awareness of sustainable building features and practices that can be integrated into renovation projects within existing buildings.  UCI is committed to sustainable practices that minimize the ecological footprint of the campus. (http://www.sustainability.uci.edu/)