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The Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center received silver-level LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2006.

LEED Program
LEED is a trademarked acronym representing an approved system for designing, constructing, operating, and certifying environmentally responsible buildings. Silver-level certification is a step higher than basic LEED certification, reflecting enhanced environmental initiatives and systems in the building. The  rating system was developed by the USGBC to:

  • improve the environment, occupants' health, and financial return
  • define “green” by providing a standard for measurement
  • prevent false or exaggerated claims ("greenwashing")
  • promote whole-building, integrated design processes

For new construction, projects earn credit toward LEED certification in five categories:

LEEDS breakdown

Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center Initiatives
Among a wide range of initiatives that earn points toward the Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center’s LEED certification are:

• Geothermal heating and cooling;
• Clapboards fabricated from mill ends;
• Wallboard made of recycled materials, including gypsum from industrial smokestacks;
• 64 percent of the project construction waste was diverted from landfill;
• An elevator hydraulic system that uses vegetable oil instead of petroleum;
• Toilet-stall partitions made using 30 percent post-industrial recycled plastic;
• Graywater from heating system used to flush toilets;
• Waterless urinals in men's rooms;
* Carpets made using 32 percent post-industrial recycled material;
* Electricity generated from wind power;
* 50 percent locally harvested materials.