The university's commitment to sustainability will be showcased on Tuesday, May 31 when Phase II of the Residential Suites is formally recognized with LEED Silver certification. The event will take place at 1 p.m. in the suites' multipurpose room. The university community is invited.

Besides being good for the environment, LEED-certified housing acts as a daily reminder of the ways the 600 student residents can be environmentally conscious, says Megan Stang, director of university housing services. "It's a learning community - and they can see the benefits all around them."

The ample green space in the quad areas, the multitude of trees and reduced density are among the benefits, as well as bike racks and parking spaces for hybrid vehicles. Each of the 150 residences is equipped with a water-saving dual flow toilet, and metering helps ensure comfortable but energy-efficient heating and cooling.

Further evidence of the building's LEED Silver status will be unveiled at the ceremony when each of the four buildings receives a plaque marking the accomplishment.

Developed by the United States Green Building Council, LEED provides building owners and operators a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance. The residences are part of the university's climate commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.