Campus Green Design
The university recognizes the potential environmental impacts of the built environment and has therefore taken steps to minimize these possible negative impacts through the following.
Green Buildings
Since 2000, Carnegie Mellon has committed to adopting USGBC's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system for all new construction. The current practice is to achieve a minimum of a gold certification level.
CMU is committed to the Pittsburgh 2030 District goals by publishing building performance data and utilizing the stretch goals for energy, water, air quality, and transportation. Read more about this on the University Commitments page.
Green Roofs
A green roof reduces cooling and heating energy consumption, protects the roof's structural elements from UV rays, extends the life of the roof, and lowers storm water waste streams.
Sustainable Landscapes
Campus grounds are managed and maintained in a means that minimizes envrionmental impacts. Native plants are used in landscapes, an integrated pest management process is used for pest control, and rain gardens are planted to help manage stormwater. The campus grounds have also received certifications for its tree management and collections.
