College of Engineering home is 6^th CSU building to earn LEED certification ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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CLEVELAND, Ohio (September 4, 2020) – Cleveland State University’s Washkewicz Hall, home to the College of Engineering, was recently awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Washkewicz Hall, completed in 2017, is now the sixth building on CSU’s campus to receive LEED certification, the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and the second to receive Gold.

“Washkewicz Hall’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. “LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize our buildings and communities by providing everyone with access to healthy, green and high performing buildings. Cleveland State’s most recent certification is a prime example of how the innovative work of project teams can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference.”

Washkewicz Hall’s sustainable features include:

• Site utilization that optimizes green space to reduce stormwater runoff
• Low-flow toilets and faucets that reduce water consumption by 30 percent
• Energy-efficient mechanical systems
• 70 percent of electricity from renewable sources
• 25 percent recycled steel in building materials
• Light-colored roof material to reflect heat and maintain a cooler temperature within the building
• Materials, paints, flooring and wall materials contain no- or low-VOCs for improved indoor air quality

“The team set out with the goal of achieving LEED Gold certification, so knowing that the process of design and construction reached that ambitious target is very exciting,” said Jennifer McMillin, CSU director of sustainability. “As an institution of higher education, CSU has an opportunity to educate students about environmental sustainability both in the classroom and in the campus environment. Designing and operating green buildings is one of our opportunities to demonstrate our commitment to energy and water conservation.”

LEED certified buildings at CSU include Julka Hall (LEED Gold), Center for Innovation in Medical Professions (LEED Silver), Euclid Commons (LEED Silver), the CSU Student Center (LEED Silver) and the CSU Recreation Center (LEED Certified). For more information about the University’s sustainability efforts, visit www.BeGreenCLEstate.com.​​​​​​​

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About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With nearly 16,000 students, ten colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2019 as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report. Find more information at www.csuohio.edu.