The Science Center at Southern Utah University, which opened last fall, was recently identified by LEED (the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program) as one of superior design, construction, and performance with respect to green and environmentally-conscious objectives.
A unique feature of the center is its green roof where a greenhouse hosts many different kinds of plants. These capture rain water, reducing wasteful water runoff and help to keep the building cool.
Sustainability is an area of major focus at SUU, congruent with the university's core values of community and social responsibility. The Center for Sustainability at SUU promotes education and engagement in sustainable living practices. The Center also contributes to the sustainable operation of SUU's campus.
Developed in 2000, the LEED program provides criteria to measure the level of environmental efficiency in the operation of green buildings. LEED provides support o building owners and operators by outlining a framework that supports practical and quantifiable solutions and practices in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings.
