Krach Leadership Center and Third Street Suites achieve LEED Gold certification

Located next to each other on the corner of Third Street and North Martin Jischke Drive, the Krach Leadership Center and Third Street Suites both recently received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

Since opening in the spring of 2014, Krach has served as a bridge between residential and academic life for students by providing academic resources, leadership development programs and student organization meeting space in one location.

Third Street Suites is a 304-bed residence hall that supports student learning and retention to improve academic success and includes mixed-use retail space on the first floor.

In addition to promoting academic success for students, the facilities also serve as examples of the University's commitment to sustainability initiatives.

"Attaining LEED certification is a collaborative effort that begins in the early stages of a building's design," says Michael Gulich, director of campus master planning and sustainability. "The requirements to achieve LEED certification are rigorous, require the documentation of total building performance, and include third-party verification of documentation."

The Krach Leadership Center achieved 60 points and Third Street Suites 66 points in the LEED for Building Design and Construction rating system. Several areas where particular excellence is seen for both facilities include community connectivity, water efficient landscaping, optimized energy performance, construction waste management, use of recycled and regional materials and innovation in design. Third Street Suites also rated highly for water use reduction.

"Krach and Third Street Suites are just two of a number of buildings on the West Lafayette campus that have been officially recognized for sustainability performance," Gulich says. "We're excited that all of the planning and hard work undertaken by so many individuals on these projects has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council."

Chris Skiba, director of capital projects for University Residences, says, "As a member of the project team, it is a great feeling to see all of our efforts result in Gold certification. Continuing sustainability efforts in Third Street Suites and all buildings is something we strive for every day."

A reception celebrating the LEED Gold certification recently awarded to the Krach Leadership Center and Third Street Suites will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. today (April 22) at Krach. A "make and take" sustainability craft will be available while supplies last.

More information on LEED is available on the U.S. Green Building Council's website at www.usgbc.org/leed.