The Student Activities Center is expected to be a LEED certified facility and will demonstrate the University’s commitment to sustainable, energy-efficient design.  Setting the standard for these goals, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System encourages sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of understood performance guidelines.

LEED is the industry-wide accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Organizations must apply for the certification which is recognized nationwide as proof that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

LEED certification is based off a point system out of 69 points possible that measures five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Building green has many benefits that include reducing operating costs, enhancing building organization and marketability, and potentially increasing occupant productivity. There are four levels of LEED certification, Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The University of Miami is striving to implement as many sustainable features as the design will support in order to obtain the best possible LEED rating for the New Student Activities Center.