LEED Buildings
Western participates in the state's High Performance Building Program. The college is committed to have all new buildings and renovations earn LEED-Gold certificationor its equivalent. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of “high performance, green buildings” set by the U.S. Green Building Council.
As of March 2010, Western has one LEED Silver certified building, two buildings pending LEED Gold certification and a renovation project that will seek LEED certification.
Read more about some of the sustainability features of Western's "green" buildings.
Borick Business Building
LEED Silver
The Borick Business Building, which opened its doors in fall 2007, led the way as the model for environmentally sustainable building initiatives at Western. The facility, which houses the Business, Accounting and Economics Department, has the distinction of being the first LEED-certified building on campus and within the Gunnison Valley. Environmental features include the re-use of roof tiles on the building taken from the renovation of other buildings on campus, motion lighting, and an energy-efficient ventilation system
College Center
LEED Gold
The College Center, which opened in Jan. 2010, showcases numerous sustainability features and practices. Among those features are large, south-facing windows that provide abundant natural lighting, 10 recycling centers throughout the building, xeriscaping (which conserves water) and low-flow faucets. On-site recycling during construction diverted 60 percent of the waste from the landfill and regional materials were used in the construction of the building. The pulper composter in the café will provide material for the college’s community garden.
Kelley Hall
LEED Gold
Originally built in 1957, Kelley Hall reopened its doors in fall 2008 after undergoing a $5.5 million renovation. It is the home of the the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department and the Center for Environmental Studies.
Kelley Hall is more than just a building — it’s part of the curriculum. Students researched and selected environmentally sustainable materials and design elements. Among those features are insulated windows, motion lighting, compact florescent lighting, low-flow faucets and a highly efficient boiler system. Building materials — from flooring to furniture to insulation — are from recycled or renewable resources, such as cork, bamboo, wood and paper fiber and reclaimed hardwood. Environmental studies students also spruced up Kelley Hall’s exterior by planting a xeriscape garden and other landscaping with low-water, native plants. Student efforts also resulted in the campus’ first solar panels for solar electricity and thermal systems. An environmental studies class applied for grants and helped design the solar panel system, including an educational center and laboratory to provide renewable energy data to the larger community.
- Take a virtual tour of Kelley Hall
- View the Solar Laboratory Data Center
Taylor Hall
Renovation project that will seek LEED certification
