LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (LEED EB: O+M) was to recognize the importance of maintaining and operating our existing buildings as efficiently and as sustainably as possible. On a campus with buildings that are over 100 years old and a strong commitment to sustainability this focus is especially important. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) showcased Gray Hall as an example of exemplary performance in the LEED EB: O+M rating system. 

The LEED EB: O+M rating system focuses on retrofitting existing buildings to increase water and energy efficiency, as well as instituting Green Cleaning polices, Green Purchasing polices, Waste Management strategies, and Integrated Pest Management. The policies and strategies that were established for the Gray Hall certification were instituted campus-wide. Facilities Management played an integral part in the certification of Gray Hall and they continue to ensure that the sustainable practices are used in Gray Hall and across campus.

According to Megan Litke, Director of Sustainability Programs, "We are thrilled to have completed our first existing building certification. This achievement is the result of about five years of work from many individuals in facilities management and the sustainability office. We monitored energy use, air quality, green cleaning, pest management, and waste management in the building to ensure that our operations practices met LEED standards. Many of these practices are in place across campus which will allow for additional buildings to be certified in the future."

Learn more about Gray Hall LEED features in the case study.

Green Features