LEED

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System^TM is a third-party certification program that promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development; water efficiency; energy efficiency; materials selection; and indoor environmental quality. An additional category - innovation and design process - addresses sustainable building expertise and design measures not covered in the first five.

Credits are assigned to each category, and certification is based on the total point score achieved. RRU is seeking a Gold certification in the construction of the new Learning and Innovation Centre (LIC).

Under the innovation category, RRU has developed a sustainability brand and new recycling/waste stations to be launched when the LIC opens in spring 2011. The Wildflowers branding will be seen throughout the building at recycling stations and on waste receptacles. Each floor will have a galley complete with compost bins and a paper/waste/returnables counter station. The galleys will also feature water bottle filling stations to reduce the need to purchase bottled water on campus.  Additional recycling receptacles will be located in classrooms and informal gathering spaces.

This innovative approach of incorporating a sustainability brand into a recycling program will be implemented throughout campus, as budget dollars are available.  Having a consistent brand and consistent recycling/waste receptacles will help build awareness of the importance of recycling and sustainability at Royal Roads University.