The eight newest student residential facilities—buildings from the recent $245 million Residential Revival—have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute.

LEED Award

President Michael Driscoll (left) and Tim Rupert, president of the Foundation for IUP Board of Directors

Highly prized, LEED certification recognizes buildings that meet U.S. Green Building Certification Institute standards for buildings and building design that improve energy savings, water efficiency, and outdoor environmental quality; reduce carbon dioxide emissions; and reflect innovative design.

The buildings are owned by the Foundation for IUP, a nonprofit entity that promotes and supports the educational purposes of IUP and is managed by the university.

Tim Rupert, president of the foundation board of directors, presented the official certification to President Michael Driscoll at a ceremony on September 8.

“We are very proud of this certification and appreciate our strong partnership with the Foundation for IUP as the owner of these buildings,” Driscoll said.

“Being energy efficient is a win for all involved—our university, our community, and our students—and demonstrates our commitment to being good stewards of energy resources.”

IUP and the Foundation for IUP completed the final phase of the Residential Revival in fall 2010. Construction on the Residential Revival buildings began in 2006. The new buildings include Andrew W. Stephenson Hall, Susan S. Delaney Hall, Donna D. Putt Hall, Gealy W. Wallwork Hall, MG Rodney D. Ruddock Hall, the Suites on Maple East, the Suites on Pratt, and the Northern Suites. A total of 3,900 students live in these buildings.

The Residential Revival buildings integrate a “living-learning” philosophy into their design. All of the new buildings reflect a special academic or co-curricular theme, most with clusters or floors for students with common interests or majoring in specific disciplines.