Green Buildings

What is LEED?

LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” and it is a voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven program developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) that provides third-party verification of green buildings. From individual buildings and homes, to entire neighborhoods and communities, LEED is transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, and operated. Comprehensive and flexible, LEED addresses the entire lifecycle of a building. Participation in the voluntary LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. LEED provides building owners and operators the tools they need to immediately impact their building’s performance and bottom line, while providing healthy indoor spaces for a building’s occupants. LEED projects have been successfully established in 135 countries. International projects, those outside the United States, make up more than 50% of the total LEED registered square footage. LEED unites us in a single global community and provides regional solutions, while recognizing local realities.

Why LEED?

LEED-certified buildings are designed to:

  • Conserve energy and water
  • Reduce waste sent to landfills
  • Be healthier and safer for occupants
  • Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
  • Lower operating costs and increase asset value
  • Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives

ECU Examples

  1. Croatan Dining Hall – LEED Silver (2010)
  2. Ross Hall (first 3 floors) – LEED Gold (2012)
  3. Coastal Studies Institute – LEED Gold (2014)
  4. Ross Hall (fourth floor) – LEED Gold (2018)
  5. HSC Student Center – Designed to meet LEED Silver standards (2017)
  6. Main Campus Student Center – Designed to meet LEED Silver standards (2018)