Image by Tory Germann
09/15/2016
Lowell Sun
LOWELL -- With four UMass Lowell buildings recognized for advanced energy and environmental design, it was the perfect hub for the state on Thursday to announce a milestone for energy-efficient state buildings.
The Baker-Polito administration announced that more than 50 state buildings have received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
The LEED standard, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), awards certifications in Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels for clean energy, energy efficiency and environmental design integration.
"This important milestone proves by working collaboratively across state agencies, authorities and campuses, the Commonwealth is committed to leading by example on clean energy innovation," Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. "By building energy-efficient buildings, Massachusetts continues to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, which saves precious taxpayer dollars."
Thursday's announcement was made at UMass Lowell's new University Crossing. The building was certified LEED Silver in May and is the third UMass Lowell campus building certified this year.
"As UMass Lowell has grown in recent years, so has our commitment to sustainability, including making it part of our 'UMass Lowell 2020' strategic plan, conducting important research by faculty and students in clean energy and climate change, and opening an Office of Sustainability," UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney said in a statement.
Across the state, there has been an acceleration of LEED certification this year, with nine buildings receiving certification and more than two dozen buildings targeting certification or undergoing the certification process.