Arnett Hall, the first residence hall on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus to become LEED certified, has received the gold rating in LEED standards issued by the United States Green Building Council.
 
LEED certification is a U.S. benchmark for "green" building design, construction, operation and maintenance.
 
"Arnett Hall now is significantly more energy and water efficient than an average, recently built building in this community," said Moe Tabrizi, campus energy conservation officer. Built in the 1960s, Arnett Hall underwent renovations in May 2008. Since then, the residence hall has had a 20 percent reduction in energy use and a 39 percent drop in water use.
 
"Green" renovations include the installation of insulation, double-pane windows, sensors that suspend heating and cooling systems when windows are opened, dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, aerators on faucets, energy-efficient lighting with automatic controls and carpet and other finishes made from recycled materials.
 
Other CU residence hall renovations awaiting LEED certification include Andrews Hall, completed last month, and Buckingham Hall, with an expected completion date of August 2010.