Green Construction Commitment

Our Commitment

The University of St. Thomas is committed to meeting a minimum of LEED Silver Standard for all newly constructed buildings over 25,000 square feet.

We will continue to refine policy for sustainable construction and to ensure that the new buildings are designed and constructed responsibly, are efficient to operate, provide a healthy environment for the St. Thomas community and are built to minimize future investment.

LEED ® Standard and Strategies

Since the LEED Green Building Rating System for New Construction (LEED-NC version 2.0) was first published in 1999, it has helped professionals across the country improve the quality of buildings and their impact on the environment. Green design not only makes a positive impact on public health and the environment, it also reduces operating costs, enhances building and organizational marketability, potentially increases occupant productivity, and helps create a sustainable community. The University of St. Thomas strives to attain the highest qualifications in the LEED categories of indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, energy and atmosphere, and water efficiency. The areas of focus to receive LEED credit are:

Indoor Environmental Quality

Indoor air quality and ventilation
No smoking policy
Construction IAQ management
Low-emitting materials and indoor pollutant control
Thermal comfort
Lighting controls
Daylight and views

Materials and Resources

Storage and collection of recyclables
Use of materials containing recycled content
Local/regional materials
Certified wood

Energy and Atmosphere

Building commissioning
Refrigerant management
Energy conservation/performance

Water Efficiency

Water use reduction for irrigation
Water use reduction in plumbing fixtures

General Strategies

Erosion and sedimentation control
Alternative transportation
Development footprint
Stormwater management

General site: http://new.usgbc.org/

LEED site: http://new.usgbc.org/leed