UC Merced’s Office of Sustainability welcomed the U.S. Green Building Council Central California (USGBC Central California) this month for a unique campus tour that showcased the university’s leadership in sustainable design, green building practices, and experiential learning.
Beginning at the iconic “Big Rufus” Bobcat Statue, attendees explored UC Merced’s transformative 2020 campus expansion, including several LEED Platinum-certified buildings that exemplify the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
“USGBC Central California brings together our community through green project tours in the region. UC Merced is a sustainability beacon in the San Joaquin Valley that demonstrates how to implement and advance sustainability in the built environment and beyond. It’s a perfect place to learn about implementing sustainability in the built environment through a real-world example,” said Laura Gromis, Executive Director of USGBC Central California.
UC Merced is the only university in the United States with 100% of its permanent buildings certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. It is also the first public research university in the country to achieve official carbon neutrality.
“This institution is not only a sustainability leader in higher education, but also a large institutional leader in the Central Valley. It is important to spotlight its work in sustainability, climate, and resilience because it directly influences the community where it resides and serves,” said UC Merced Director of Sustainability Daryl Pierson.
A highlight of the tour included the Leo and Dottie Kolligian Library, a facility that demonstrates how sustainable building principles can enhance both environmental performance and the user experience.
Visitors also learned about the building’s energy-efficient systems, water conservation strategies, natural daylighting, healthier indoor environmental features, and sustainable site design elements.
“From drought-tolerant landscaping and stormwater management practices to efficient HVAC systems and low-emitting materials, the library showcased how thoughtful design can support occupant wellness while addressing the unique climate challenges of California’s Central Valley,” added Pierson.
The Kolligian Library has earned LEED Gold Certification twice: first in 2007 under New Construction, and again in 2015 under Existing Building Operations and Maintenance (EBOM). The recertification effort was completed through UC Merced’s LEED Lab program, where students gain hands-on experience participating in the LEED certification process.
UC Merced has 32 total LEED-certified buildings, and every single permanent building on campus is certified.
Breakdown of Certifications:
Check out media coverage of the tour
