Washington State University campuses promote sustainability through innovative design and engineering principles for functionality, safety, and energy efficiency without losing respect for campus culture and heritage. A member of the U.S. Green Building council (USGBC), WSU strives to follow the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system in building projects on all campuses. The LEED rating system is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
Several innovative “green” strategies are incorporated into WSU's new buildings, including geothermal heating and cooling, natural day lighting, sun shading devices to minimize heat load, site restoration with natural habitat and vegetation, water efficient landscaping, stormwater collection and reuse for irrigation, high reflective roof to reduce heat island effect, reduction of light pollution, educational signage system, water-use reduction in the building, construction waste management, use of regional materials, recycled materials and certified wood where possible.
Current WSU LEED projects include:
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