UNC Asheville’s Rhoades Hall, which was renovated during the summer of 2012 and is part of Rhoades Robinson Hall, has earned an LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This certification is the first for the campus.

The LEED rating system, developed by USGBC, is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. UNC Asheville achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“Rhoades Hall, which is one of UNC Asheville’s oldest buildings, was one of the examples used to help demonstrate the UNC system’s need for the $3.1 billion higher education bond that was passed by North Carolina voters in November of 2000,” recalled Keith Krumpe, dean of natural sciences. “As a result of the bond package, UNC Asheville was able to build Zeis Hall and relocate the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and New Media, which allowed for the desperately needed renovation of the Rhoades portion of Rhoades Robinson Hall and provided much needed additional space for Atmospheric Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Physics, the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC), Distance Learning Services (DLS), Information Technology Services (ITS), and Communication and Marketing.”

The 2012 renovations to Rhoades Hall include new plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems as well as data infrastructure. A geothermal heating system, grounded in the campus Quad, also is part of the hot water heating system, and an enthalpy wheel provides for energy recovery and allows for downsizing of HVAC equipment. Energy-efficient windows and gypsum interior wall covering aid in sealing the building and complete the renovations.

UNC Asheville completed additional upgrades to Rhoades Robinson Hall as part of a UNC-system initiative to replace the majority of all indoor and exterior lighting on campus to energy-efficient LED fixtures.

A celebration of the LEED Gold certification will take place on Monday, September 28 at 4 p.m. in the TD Bank Atrium of Rhoades Robinson Hall. The event is open to the public.