While all human activities impact the environment, the construction and renovation of buildings provide specific impacts that can be significant. But impacts can be reduced. “Green Buildings” are buildings planned, designed, and constructed with the intention of reducing negative environmental impacts while retaining building quality.

This page delves into the green aspects of building planning, design, and maintenance here at Cornell and the specifics of recent and ongoing construction projects.

Green Buildings Initiative
Establishing a regular process for ensuring sustainable buildings involves a variety of factors from initial site selection and construction management all the way to energy conservation, and education. Tools like the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program are a starting point for Cornell’s building design process.

North Campus Residential Initiative
The North Campus Residential Initiative buildings include Court Residence Hall, Mews Residence Hall, and Appel Commons. Although the buildings were not LEEDTM rated, they incorporate several sustainable design elements.

WCRI
The West Campus Residential Initiative is in the construction phase. The design includes a new recreation center and five new residence halls each with their own dining facility. All phases of the project expect to be complete by 2010. The first residence hall, Alice H. Cook House is pursuing LEEDTM certification.

Milstein Hall
Milstein Hall is the new building proposed for the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. The project is currently on hold, but the plan is to pursue LEEDTM certification when the design proceeds.

Life Sciences and Technology Building (leaving ECO web)
The proposed $140 million Life Science and Technology Building, to be completed in 2007, will use the LEEDTM process to incorporate green building design elements into the design and construction.