The U.S. Green Building Council awarded Colorado Law’s Wolf Law Building a Gold certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. We are the first publicly supported law school in the country to obtain Gold. And contrary to the “techy” image of some green buildings, the Wolf Law Building has won architectural praise for incorporating the style of the original CU buildings. “From planning and design, to construction management, to developing and pursuing the application, this project was done right,” said Dean Getches. “We had an extraordinary team of experts, great support from the campus, and the commitment to “go for the gold.” And we believed in what it represents. Congratulations, and thanks to all who worked so hard to make our gold rating a reality!” To achieve Gold, the building had to meet high standards, including sustainable site development; water-saving features; high levels of energy efficiency; use of green construction materials; extensive recycling of construction waste; and high indoor environmental quality. The Wolf Law Building features high-efficiency lighting, CO2 monitoring, low-flow water fixtures, waterless urinals, a high-efficiency cooling system, and central steam heat. During construction, 91% of the materials from demolition and construction were recycled. The school also is powered by 100% renewable energy through wind energy credits. Construction of the $46 million Wolf Law Building was financed through a combination of a new student capital construction fee, federal and state funding, and private donations.The Wolf Law Building is the Facility of the Month in the School Construction News March/April issue. The building was also featured in the CU Coloradan December 2006 issue [pdf].Read bout other CU-Boulder buildings have or will receive similar LEED certification.