LEED Certified Buildings at CU Boulder

LEED plaque
CU Boulder has long integrated sustainability into the design, construction, and renovation of campus facilities. Through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the university creates buildings that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation, occupant well-being, and long-term environmental performance. Many of CU Boulder's academic, residential, and athletic facilities have achieved LEED certification, reflecting a campus-wide commitment to sustainable operations.
 

LEED Platinum

  1. Baker Hall 
  2. Basketball/Volleyball Practice Facility
  3. Center for Community
  4. Champions Center
  5. Dal Ward Athletic Center 
  6. Indoor Practice Facility 
  7. Institute of Behavioral Science
  8. Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building
  9. Student Recreation Center 
  10. Williams Village North Tower
  11. Williams Village Center Dining & Community Commons

LEED Gold

  1. Aerospace Engineering Sciences 
  2. Andrews Hall
  3. Arnett Hall
  4. Roser ATLAS Center
  5. Buckingham Hall
  6. Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE)
  7. East District Energy Plant 
  8. ECES, ECCE, South Tower (Eng. Ctr. Addition Phase 1-A)
  9. ECNW / ECNT (formerly ECAE / ECNT) 
  10. Grounds & Recycling Operations Center
  11. Imig Music Addition
  12. Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology 5th Wing
  13. JILA X-Wing Addition
  14. Ketchum
  15. Kittredge Central
  16. Kittredge West
  17. Koelbel/Leeds School of Business
  18. Miramontes Baca Education - Fleming Phase I - W. Tower
  19. Miramontes Baca Education - Fleming Phase II renovation
  20. Renee Crown Wellness (1135 Broadway)
  21. Smith Hall
  22. Sustainability, Energy and Environment Laboratoery (SEEL…not SEEC bldg. or larger SEEC complex…SEEL only)
  23. Visual Arts Complex
  24. Williams Village East 
  25. Wolf Law

LEED Silver

  1. Rustandy / CUBE (CU Bus. & Eng. School Expansion)
  2. Koelbel Suites Rms 200, 201, 222, 224
  3. University Memorial Center Addition (EBOM) – certification expired in 2009; renewal process under review

Understanding the Numbers

CU Boulder's LEED portfolio includes both entire buildings and individual building additions or wings. This approach reflects how LEED certifications are awarded and can make project totals higher than the number of physical buildings represented.

  • Total of 39 LEED certified projects, historically (UMC certification expired*)
  • Total number of LEED certified buildings is challenging to determine given the number of wings or portions of buildings that have been certified (i.e., JSCBB 5th Wing, CUBE, Rustandy)**
  • 11 LEED Platinum projects
  • 25 LEED Gold projects 
  • 3 LEED Silver projects

*UMC currently reviewing (re)certification process

** 5th wing of JSCBB is considered a distinct LEED project but not a LEED building, as it is just a wing. Same applies to CUBE and KOBL suites project.

How It All Started

CU Boulder's LEED story began with student leadership. Students advocated for a more sustainable approach to campus development and encouraged the university to pursue green building standards for new construction and major renovation projects.

That commitment has shaped campus development for more than two decades. From residence halls and academic buildings to recreation, research, and operations facilities, dozens of projects have achieved LEED certification. Today, LEED remains an important tool for creating efficient, healthy, and environmentally responsible spaces that support learning, research, and campus life.

Milestones and Fun Facts

  • First LEED-Certified Building: The University Memorial Center (UMC) became CU Boulder's first LEED-certified project, earning LEED Silver for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (EBOM).
  • First LEED Gold New Construction Project: The Roser ATLAS Center became the university's first new building to achieve LEED Gold certification, setting a new benchmark for sustainable campus development.
  • A Multi-Phase LEED Success: The Miramontes Baca Education project achieved LEED certification through two distinct phases: Fleming Phase I and Fleming Phase II.

Looking Ahead

Current projects in the "DELIVER" and "CONSTRUCT" phases continue CU Boulder's commitment to designing and renovating facilities that support long-term sustainability goals.
 

DELIVER (Phase 7)

  1. Code Talker Hall (pursuing Gold)
  2. Hellems (pursuing Gold)
  3. Ramaley addition / IPHY (pursuing Gold) - project completed & closed

CONSTRUCT (Phase 6)

  1. Chemistry & Applied Math (CHAP)
  2. Ekeley Sciences Teaching Labs
  3. Farrand