WSC’s Kelley Hall gets gold LEED certification

The U.S. Green Building Council announced last week that Kelley Hall on the Western State College (WSC) campus is officially a Leadership in Energy and Efficiency (LEED) gold certified building, a first for both the Gunnison Valley and the WSC campus.

The building, which houses the environmental studies and behavioral and social sciences departments, was originally constructed in 1957. Kelley Hall re-opened its doors in August 2008 after a $5.5 million renovation. It is the second officially LEED certified building at WSC. The Borick Business Building finished construction in 2007 and received the LEED silver certification in 2008.
“The process to seek LEED certification for Kelley Hall was more involved than it was for Borick because it was for an existing building renovation,” said Brad Baca, WSC vice president for finance and administration.
In addition to physical sustainability improvements to the building, LEED points were earned for how the building operated for the last two years.
The installation of solar panels on the rooftop of the building is the most noticeable sustainability improvement to Kelley Hall. WSC students spearheaded the efforts for the solar energy system and monitor the output in environmental studies courses. The system provides 5 percent to 10 percent of the total energy for the building.
Other physical improvements to Kelley Hall include: low-water, native plant landscaping; motion lighting; compact florescent lighting; a highly efficient boiler system; recyclable carpet tiles; cork flooring; and the use of reclaimed wood in desks and furniture.
While Kelley Hall is the first to receive LEED gold certification at Western, it won’t be the last. The newly constructed College Center is currently under review for LEED gold. Taylor Hall, which is currently undergoing a renovation, also will seek the LEED gold certification.
“Our intention is to continue sustainable and energy efficient construction on campus,” Baca said.
An event celebrating the certification is being planned for early in the fall semester.