UNMC LiveGreen — Center for Nursing Science receives LEED certification

The Center for Nursing Science has achieved LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED — or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — is the USGBC’s principal rating system for the design and construction of the world’s greenest, most energy efficient and high-performing buildings.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has recognized the Center for Nursing Science as a LEED certified building.

The nursing building joins the Sorrell Center as the campus’ two LEED certified structures. Campus officials anticipate that the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health will receive LEED certification as well.

“Our goal throughout planning, design and construction of the building was to receive LEED certification,” said Don Leuenberger, vice chancellor for business and finance. “That we achieved this is a significant demonstration of UNMC’s commitment to sustainability and good environmental stewardship.”

As part of the effort to achieve LEED certification, construction crews:

• Recycled 75 percent of the waste materials generated during construction;
  
• Used construction materials that were composed of at least 20 percent recycled materials; and
  
• Reduced water usage in the building by 40 percent compared to typical construction practices.