Carleton takes pride in our status as a small liberal arts college. Knowing that we won’t continually add buildings to our campus footprint, we instead maintain and update our buildings regularly and with great care.

While all our construction projects are upheld with the college’s Construction Design Standards, below is a list of the most recent certified building projects.

Green Building Projects

Student biking in front of passive solar, sustainable student housing buildings on Carleton College's campus

Lilac Hill Student Housing

The first phase of the Student Life and Housing Plan is nearing completion. The Lilac Hill housing will meet Passive House standards, which includes a thick building envelope, air-tight construction, and improved ventilation, and consideration of thermal conditions. With solar panels, these buildings will be net energy neutral and a model for sustainable housing. 

Anderson Hall exterior

Integrated Science Complex

The Science Complex, combining Hulings, Olin, and the newly constructed Anderson Hall, was renovated and constructed with two major goals in mind: A “Science on Display” design and sustainable building best practices through the LEED Rating System by the US Green Building Council.

The building utilized the LEED Rating System with the following sustainable practices:

  • Bicycle storage and changing rooms
  • Light pollution reduction-Dark Skies compliant fixtures
  • Water efficiency and water efficient landscaping
  • Optimized energy performance
  • On-site and purchased renewable energy
  • Enhanced mechanical / electrical systems commissioning
  • Construction waste management, 75% or more recycled 
  • Recycled and regional materials
  • Indoor air quality management (low-emitting materials, chemical and pollutant source control, etc.)
  • Thermal and lighting comfort and controllability
  • Educational graphics and tours
Cassat Hall, a LEED-certified dormitory.

James & Cassat Residence Halls

Both Cassat Hall and James Hall are Gold Certified through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The LEED system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

A group of students outside the Weitz Center for Creativity

Weitz Center for Creativity

Another LEED construction project, plans for the Weitz Center for Creativity called for the renovation and re-use of the original 1910 building in its entirety, preserving much of its history and unique architectural features. The College took great care in selecting an architect with special expertise in adapting old buildings to new purposes.