As of Earth Day 2026, McCourtney East became the first building on campus to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Platinum is the highest possible rating that a building can achieve. Led by Senior Director and Associate University Architect Mike Daly with support from the BSA design team and construction manager Shiel Sexton, this building project is a testament to the dedication of everyone in the Facilities Design and Operations team, who are working to build a more resilient and sustainable campus. Among a myriad of sustainable features, some highlights of the project include:
- 41% water savings via low-flow fixtures.
- LED lighting is 56% better than Indiana's energy code standard.
- A heat recovery system exists to capture waste heat to pre-cool and pre-heat air for the laboratories.
- 89% of the project waste was diverted from the landfill by separating waste streams where feasible, and engaging a local partner to separate co-mingled materials further.
- The geothermal campus heating water system was extended to the building to provide high-efficiency building heating and to move away from campus steam generation.
- 29% of the previously disturbed site area was restored with native or adapted vegetation.
- Biophilic design principles were incorporated with the exterior courtyard design, as well as bringing the site design into the building via layout, material selection, views of the exterior, and daylighting.
- Short- and long-term bicycle storage were provided alongside shower facilities to encourage building occupants to bike to campus.
Stay tuned for more news coming soon on the LEED-Platinum certification of McCourtney East.
Originally published by at green.nd.edu on May 08, 2026.