The University of Houston’s John M. O’Quinn Law Building and the College of Medicine Building received national recognition this spring by being awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Silver and Gold levels.  

This third-party certification comes via the U.S. Green Building Council, an organization committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, constructed, and operated with an eye toward sustainability.  

LEED-certified buildings use less energy and water which translates into reduced operational costs. They also generate less waste during construction and focus on occupant well-being, with healthier indoor spaces.  

Throughout design and construction, Ed Mader, Senior Project Manager, and Cesar Villagran, Facilities/Construction Management Project Inspector, reviewed the progress to ensure that the project was complying with LEED standards.  

“LEED certification shows our commitment to sustainability on campus,” said Liz Clark, Sustainability Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability in Facilities Planning. “It’s one thing to offer sustainability programs, but our impact is magnified and multiplied many, many times by sustainable buildings.”  

“As we complete new, high-performance buildings on campus, we’re headed in the right direction towards becoming a Top 50 public university,” added University Architect Jim Taylor, AIA, LEED AP.  

The John M. O’Quinn Law Building and College of Medicine Building are the first in a series that will follow rigorous LEED certification standards, including the HUB dining facility, currently under construction, and new buildings such as the Hobby School of Public Affairs and the Innovation Hub. 

“With these more efficient and sustainable buildings, we’re heading in the direction of a naturally sustainable campus,” said Clark.