In recent years, the University has established a policy that all new campus construction will be built to the LEED silver standard or equivalent. This standard takes into consideration many aspects of the construction and operations process and is intended to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly performance of a building and its occupants over time.

The gradual development of these standards project by project reached a point of coalescence with the construction of the Ricketson Law building ( map) in 2002.  A member of the Law School faculty introduced the formal process of "green" design by advocating for the inclusion of a LEED consultant to the design and construction team.  The result was the Sturm College of Law's building was awarded the first LEED gold certification in the state of Colorado.  Read more about the Sturm College of Law's green features.

Ruffatto Hall is slated for a June 2010 completion and will house the Morgridge College of Education, Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) and Disabilities Services Program (DSP) at the northeast corner of Evans Avenue and High Street.  When finished, Ruffatto Hall will be one of three recent DU structures to be built "green." The building incorporates the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards for environmental construction. In addition to the Ricketson Law building, Nagel Hall has been submitted for LEED gold rating. Ruffatto Hall also will also be submitted for a gold rating, continuing DU's commitment to sustainable building.

Independent professional reviews of our projects since 2003 have confirmed that the high standards with which the University typically builds are well aligned to the precepts of the USGBC's LEED rating system.  Five additional projects (Barton Lacrosse Stadium ( map), Kappa Sigma Fraternity House ( map), the HRTM building ( map), Craig Hall ( map), and the Sie Cheou-Kang Center) involved detailed review of their construction criteria and are considered to likely meet LEED silver criteria.

Click here to review the summer 2011 facilities update on campus conservation efforts.