Office of Sustainability

Introducing LEEDuser

BuildingGreen.com, who publishes the monthly newsletter Environmental Building News, has now released LEEDuser. This tool will help project teams certify a building with tips, checklists, sample documentation, forums, and more. With the convenience of expert advice at your fingertips, your project is sure to achieve its intended LEED certification with ease.

Florida University Solar Energy Calculator

This web-based calculator was developed as an extension of a Master's thesis at Rinker School, and is designed to allow universities in Florida to see estimated production and cost data specific to any location in Florida. The user can input multiple parameters within five phases to determine the possibilities of photovoltaic energy integration on his or her campus. To use this calculator please visit Florida University Solar Energy Calculator.

Florida Department of Transportation Solar Power Study

The Florida Department of Transportation sponsored research for a comprehensive solar energy power system for their Turkey Lake service plaza. Learn more about the research and feasbility in the following report. (*Note: Due to large file size it may take a few minutes for the file to load.) Turkey Lake Toll Plaza Solar Energy Study.

Hinkley Center Construction Waste Study

This research effort was in conjunction with the Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management and provides a framework for analyzing the impact of the USGBCs LEED rating system on the construction waste stream. For more information please view the study results and construction waste project waste spreadsheets at Construction Waste Study.

Green Advantage Certification Study

The LEED Innovation & Design Credit option using Green Advantage Certified personnel on construction projects was analyzed. Using this credit showed significant increases in environmental and health benefits. For more information please view the study at GA Study.

Learning to LEED Online Course

Learning to LEED is now available as an online course through the John Wiley & Sons Continuing Professional Education program. You can find out more about the online version at WILEY CPE.

Learning to LEED Educational Workshops

The Powell Center for Construction and Environment is offering a series of two-day educational sessions on the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program for the built environment. The classes will include one full day of overview (LEED-NC version 2.2, the USGBC, and green design) and one full day of preparation for the LEED-AP exam. Sign up online at www.treeo.ufl.edu/LEED.

Green Building Breakthrough:
LEED Certification on an Everyday Budget
Via Treehugger

Hailing a "green building breakthrough," Portland-based Interface Engineering Inc. has published a free 48-page illustrated guide on how to acheive Platinum-level LEED certification on a conventional building budget. This is not an easy task, but, using their current project for Oregon Health and Science University as a case study, Interface has proven it possible. "We're delivering champagne on a beer budget," said Andy Frichtl, Interface principal and lead project engineer.

Continue reading "Green Building Breakthrough:...." at Treehugger.com