Kent State University is helping buildings become green.

Kent State is part of a consortium of Ohio universities that is studying "living architecture," or the approach of "integrating vegetation within and upon buildings as novel ecosystems," according to a news release.

Faculty from Kent State will work with individuals at the University of Cincinnati and Heidelberg University as part of the Greater Ohio Living Architecture Center. The center will be led by Reid Coffman, an associate professor of Kent State's College of Architecture and Environmental Design. The center was selected as one of four at the CitiesAlive conference by the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Green Infrastructure Foundation, and will encompass research and training activities.

"The GOLA Center lays the foundation for cutting edge research, innovation and creative thought for Ohio faculty, students and industry professionals who are in the pursuit of developing environmentally responsible and ecologically productive cities," said Paul E. DiCorleto, Kent State's vice president for research and sponsored programs, in the release. "The efforts here will impact North America and the world."