Building green infrastructure across university campuses: A research

Abstract

Universities and corporations across the United States are investing in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green buildings as they are more economically, socially, and environmentally friendly. By means of a case study, this paper shows how a regional university in the Midwest part of the United States, has successfully incorporated sustainability as its core value and has made significant progress in all areas of the triple bottom line. This paper focuses mainly on its commitments to LEED® green building certification and green infrastructure. It discusses its journey and success in these two areas through a real case application of converting one of its oldest buildings on campus from a “no” LEED® certification to “Silver” LEED® certification. Throughout this paper, specific recommendations as to how these initiatives can be implemented across the globe, and the benefits that can be expected to be accrued, are presented.