The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Defined by the United Nations Work Commission on Environment and Development,sustainable building means “Development that meets the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This is achieved by using products that have a minimum impact on the environment now and also in the future by lasting longer than typical materials and containing fewer toxic components.  Thoughtful design is also put into the building and the landscape around them to create and sustain a healthy eco-system.

The University of South Carolina requested two of their most recent projects, The West Quad Residence Hall and The Arnold School of Public Health be LEED certified.  Thoughtful, creative design was employed by the architects, to meet stringent sustainability goals and thus made the construction process for these buildings new to our firm, and also our entire local industry.  Immediately we had to ensure that all parties involved with the projects were educated about and committed to meeting the project’s green standards set forth by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) who administers all LEED certifications.  To accomplish this took a tremendous amount of coordination between the architects and us, as well as among the sub contractors and our ever-vigilant project managers.

Contract Construction is proud to have met the goals of the University of South Carolina in constructing two of the first LEED certified buildings in our region. Rachel Steele is the LEED Certified Accredited Professional for Contract Construction, and has been a key asset in our success in completing both LEED certified buildings.  Her teamwork approach and ability to help owners achieve their goals reflects that of Contract Construction.

The West Quad Residence Hall and The Arnold School of Public Health are great examples of what is to come in the future.  At Contract Construction we are aware of the importance of constructing buildings that create and sustain a healthy eco-system, and we look forward to continue leading the way in construction of environmentally friendly buildings.

To learn more about LEED and the US Green Building Council visit www.usgbc.org