Sustainability and LEED

By: Siraj Khan, MSME, PE, CEM, LEED AP, CEFP

Associate Vice President for Facilities Management

The United Nations defines sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” However, there is no one definition of sustainability. In general, sustainability is the term for all things that decrease our dependence on non-renewable energy and increases the idea of living within the means of our current environment without damaging it for future generations. In short, sustainability promotes sustaining human life on earth. Any sustainable endeavor should address the issues of ecological robustness, social equity and economic viability and I am glad to say that these issues have been addressed in the design and construction of the Human Health Building, Engineering Center, Oak View Hall and Hillcrest Hall.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), is the most recognized rating system in the nation for design and construction of the sustainable and green buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), developed this rating system in the year 2000, which provides a framework for constructing built environments with an approach to sustainability.

The LEED rating system uses five* major categories to produce an overall rating of the buildings:>

• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• *Innovation and Design Process (Supplemental Category)

The USGBC has certified the Human Health Building as Platinum Level, the highest rating possible.  Additionally, Engineering Center, Oak View Hall and Hillcrest Hall have all been certified as Gold Level. These certifications are a hallmark for Oakland University for its commitment to sustainability.