MILWAUKEE - The University of Florida's Rinker Hall is believed to be the first building in the state to earn gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification. Administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification recognizes buildings that meet specified performance standards for environmentally conscious design, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and dedication to indoor air quality.

Johnson Controls Inc. contributed to the effort, installing its Metasys® building management system to optimize energy efficiency and performance of the building's mechanical and electrical systems, says the company.

"Working with Johnson Controls helped us meet several performance-based requirements and achieve LEED points," said Carol Walker, director, Facility Planning and Construction at the University of Florida. "We trusted the company's expertise in sustainable facilities to assist us in our goal of attaining LEED gold certification."

Rinker Hall is a 47,000-square-foot facility that is home to the Rinker School of Building Construction in the College of Design, Construction, and Planning. Designed and constructed as a green building, this facility uses 35 to 55 percent less energy than typical buildings of its size, says Johnson Controls.

"Not only will this building be one of the most sustainable facilities in Florida, but our students and faculty will also benefit from the high indoor air quality. We believe that we should do everything we can to make our facilities clean, healthy, and comfortable learning environments," said Dr. Bernard Machen, president, University of Florida.

Publication date: 10/04/2004