The new Student Activities Center at the University of Miami receives Gold level LEED certification

The new Student Activities Center at the University of Miami, the Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center, built by the subsidiary of OHL USA, Arellano Construction, has been recognized by the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) with LEED certification in the gold category, one of the highest-level accreditations granted by the USGBC, the industry-wide accepted benchmark for the quality of the sustainability of buildings and spaces.

This is not the first time that the work of the OHL Group subsidiary receives this recognition; the Basketball Practice Facility building at the University of Miami is also Leeds certified.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation is aimed at concentrating efforts on improving performance in the construction of buildings in five strategic areas: energy efficiency, environmental quality, materials selection, sustainable site development and water savings and reduced CO2 emissions.

Specifically, LEED certification is a international benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance buildings with the Green designation, providing the necessary tools to measure and monitor the environmental impact of new and refurbished buildings.

The Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center was planned to be certified in the LEED silver category, but the efforts to meet the requirements of the USGBC allowed the facility to achieve a higher level.

Among the efforts to make this project environmentally sustainable, particular attention was paid to energy efficiency and reducing water and electricity consumption. Specifically, the building has high performance walls, insulation of windows and improved lighting and air conditioning. Furthermore, the design of the gardens focused on the use of native plants, as well as a low flow irrigation system, which contributes to a 30% savings in water use.

As a member of the USGBC, Arellano Construction attaches great importance to environmental initiatives and LEED certification standards. In fact , the company currently has several projects that are in the certification process.

The LEED sustainable building rating system is a voluntary international standard based on market consensus and criteria for the development of highly efficient, sustainable buildings.

The award of this certificate reflects the effort made by people of Arellano Construction, who, following the environment and quality policy of the OHL Group and our commitment to combat climate change, expended significant efforts in the care and protection of the environment.