UNL has adopted comprehensive guidelines that set high standards for energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality. They stem from the understanding that conserving natural resources also means conserving financial resources. Collectively, these design guidelines mean that every new building is constructed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards.
Awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. The LEED rating system offers four levels of green building - certified, silver, gold, and platinum.
Since UNL's adoption of this policy in 2009, many buildings and renovation projects have been built or conducted to LEED standards and has been awarded the LEED Silver rating. Some of these buildings are highlighted below. Read about the sustainable design policy and Facilities Planning and Construction's Design Guidelines.
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center
The Gaughan Multicultural Center continues the tradition of past UNL Culture Centers, providing a home away from home for underrepresented students, while welcoming all UNL students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests.
At 30,000 square feet, the Gaughan Center is the nation’s largest multicultural center attached to a student union. The Gaughan Center provides multiple study and lounge spaces as well as student organization offices, meeting and conference rooms, a music room, a kitchen and a computer lab. The building has earned LEED Silver Certification.
Jorgensen Hall
The 125,000-square-foot facility, located at 855 N. 16th St. on UNL's City Campus, is named for alumnus, distinguished educator and former department chair Theodore "Ted" Jorgensen. Among his many accomplishments, Jorgensen was involved in the Manhattan Project, which spurred the idea to create UNL's internationally recognized atomic collisions program.
Jorgensen Hall was designed to earn a silver certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, better known as the LEED program. Read this article to learn more about Jorgensen Hall.
Keim Hall
The renovation of Keim Hall is on track to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. UNL's Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and colleagues in Grassland Studies, the Nebraska Forest Service and the USDA moved into the renovated hall in 2010. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to provide a framework for identifying and implementing practical, measurable "green buildings."
The Keim Hall renovation is expected to earn a silver or gold LEED rating. Read this article on the Keim Hall renovation.