As construction continues on the new College of Nursing & Health Sciences (CNHS) building on Florida International University’s University Park, project leaders and college officials have announced that the new facility has been officially LEED registered, and all steps are being taken in order to culminate with LEED certification. When the process is completed and approved, the new CNHS building will be the first LEED-certified building in the University’s history.

Rendering of the new College of Nursing & Health Sciences building on Florida International University’s University Park.

LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. According to John Cal, FIU’s vice president for Facilities Management, “every effort is being made to be as ‘green’ as possible in the different operations of construction.” In addition to using sustainable construction materials, other vital elements during the construction process that will help in obtaining certification, include:

• separating and recycling of construction debris
• abating noise levels
• securing the green treatment of the land, trees, and buildings in the surrounding areas
• employing water management solutions
• limiting disturbance around the construction site
• ensuring the safety and facility of students’ mobility to their classes and activities to nearby buildings and spaces

Among the design “eco-highlights” of the new CNHS building will be the unique “grass” roof over the 2nd floor corridor. Low-maintenance grass and vegetation will be planted on the roof, which will only be sustained from natural rainwater. In addition to its aesthetics, the grass roof will serve to insulate the corridor below, and help absorb the heat and ultraviolet effects of the sun’s rays from hitting the building directly.