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The university’s Trudy Fitness Center recently was recognized for its green technology and energy efficiency, receiving a gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, based on factors such as green construction materials used, waste production, energy use, and water efficiency, was awarded in early May.  The center officially opened on Jan. 31, 2011.

Spaciously housing dozens of high-tech cardio and strength machines, those who visit Trudy for their workouts may not be aware of the facility’s innovative green design.

The fitness center’s 114 windows, which let in large amounts of light and reduce the number of required light bulbs, and its reflective white roof, which reduces heat absorption from the sun, are subtle green design elements that also make the facility aesthetically pleasing.

Committed to energy-efficiency, Trudy was built from the ground up on the principle of lessening the campus’ carbon footprint. Impressive attributes: 20 percent of building materials attained from companies within 500 miles of �Ա���Ƶ, and 89 percent of construction debris diverted from landfills.

Twenty percent more energy efficient and 30 percent more water efficient than an average building its size, the fitness center also boasts outdoor landscaping (xeriscaping) that requires no watering system.

In the past few years, the criteria for LEED certification have become more rigorous, and achieving the U.S. Green Building Council’s high standards in green design has proved to be a challenge. As the first green building initiative at �Ա���Ƶ, and the first construction effort to strive for and achieve LEED certification, Trudy has set a new standard of excellence in green technology on campus.

“To have our first green building effort be LEED gold is really a huge accomplishment, and it marks a new era for �Ա���Ƶ,” said John Pumilio, the university’s sustainability coordinator. “Every major renovation and new building will strive to be a green building.”