University of Miami facility awarded prestigious LEED Green Building Certification

The University of Miami Field House, a multipurpose facility at the Coral Gables campus, has been honored for its sustainability components. It was awarded the LEED® Gold designation established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

"The University is committed to energy conservation and the reduction of energy dependency," said Eduardo A. Lopez, senior project manager of UM Facilities, Design and Construction Department "The benefits of a LEED certified structure are the lower operation cost resulting from the use of high efficient components and developing the mind set to design and build energy and environmental sustainable structures that reduce energy consumption and dependency."

The UM Field House achieved LEED certification specifically for its energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

"The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The work of innovative building projects such as The University of Miami Field House is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement."

LEED Certification of the UM field House was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:

• High reflectance roofing materials and pavers
  
• High efficiency plumbing fixtures with hand sensors to reduce water use
  
• Moisture sensors to reduce potable water use for irrigation
  
• Energy efficient lighting, insulated glazing and high efficiency air conditioning aimed at reducing the building's energy cost based on the Florida Energy Code
  
• The use of recycled, refurbished, salvaged or reused materials, as well as the use of regional materials processed and manufactured regionally
  
• Paints, coatings and adhesives with low emitting gases content
  
• All lighting systems are occupancy motion controlled
  
• Preferred parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles

The UM Field House, which opened in March 2009, sits adjacent to the Bank United Center at the UM Coral Gables campus. The building is 29,697 square feet and serves dual functions: to house the basketball courts for the University basketball teams and to assist in a variety of University and students events, including commencement ceremonies. Its design and construction is consistent with the University of Miami's Green U initiative to become more sustainable through the procurement of environmentally responsible products and environmentally sound maintenance and operations procedures for existing and new buildings.

The University of Miami began its resolute dedication to the protection of the environment in 2005, when it launched the Green U program, which puts in practice ideas that address concerns about the safety of the environment. As part of the ongoing commitment towards the creation of a sustainable campus, President Donna E. Shalala signed the Talloires Declaration of the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future and the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007. For more information about Green U, see: http://www7.miami.edu/ftp/umgreen/index.html

Source: University of Miami