Carleton Class of 1974 Center awarded rare LEED Platinum certification

This summer, the Carleton College Class of 1974 Center achieved LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is the highest rating possible from the organization.

LEED is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world, with certifications awarded to buildings following specific environmental standards for design and construction. The system evaluates performance across categories including transportation, water, energy, greenhouse gas reduction, materials, resources, innovation in design, and overall quality of life.

“Earning LEED Platinum status for the Class of 1974 Center highlights Carleton’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design,” said Linda Weingarten, associate vice president of facilities and capital planning. “We integrate sustainable design into all of our construction projects to advance our energy efficiency goals and create healthier, more supportive spaces for our campus community. We are thrilled to see our collective efforts recognized at the highest level by the U.S. Green Building Council.”

Home to Student Health and Counseling (SHAC), the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR), the Title IX Office, and Human Resources, the Class of 1974 Center follows similar environmental standards as other LEED-certified Carleton buildings, with features like rooftop solar panels and energy-efficient insulation.

Highly sustainable building techniques are Carleton’s standard, and have been for decades now. The Carleton Integrated Science Complex — made up of Anderson, Olin, and Hulings Halls — was certified LEED Platinum in Winter 2022. Carleton also has several certified LEED Gold buildings, including Cassat Hall, James Hall, and the 2011 Weitz Center project.

Erica Helgerud ’20 is the news and social media manager for Carleton College.