WSC Celebrates Kelley Hall LEED Gold Certification

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to recognize buildings that meet criteria for resource conservation and environmental sustainability.

Originally built in 1957, Kelley Hall reopened its doors in fall 2008 after undergoing a $5.5 million renovation.

At the dedication ceremony, Bill Niemi, chair of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department that is housed in the building, noted that in addition to celebrating the LEED Gold certification, it’s important to acknowledge the learning and inspiration that occurs in and around the building.

“This is a place where something magical happens each day -- in the building’s classrooms and also the open spaces where students hang out and bring the place to life,” he remarked. “It’s a nice place to participate in the education of our students.”

John Hausdoerffer, director of the college’s Center for Environmental Studies, which also is housed in the building, commented on student efforts that helped Kelley Hall garner LEED points. In addition to researching best practices for sustainable design, students completed such projects as ecological restoration of a native plant garden that surrounds the building, monitoring recycling habits and spearheading funding for the building’s solar array and interactive kiosk.

“This is a building that does not contradict the values that are taught inside of it. It’s a center for the campus and community to engage in environmental solutions. Earning LEED Gold for Kelley Hall is a statement about the values of our students, faculty and staff,” Hausdoerffer said.