Built Environment Goals
GOAL: All new buildings and major modifications will achieve a minimum of LEED Gold certification.
STATUS: In Progress
GOAL: No new building or major renovation shall use onsite fossil fuel combustion for space or water heating, laundry and cooking.
STATUS: In Progress
Campus Performance Overview
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Each new building/major renovation is an opportunity to integrate and advance sustainable practices vis-a-vis water, energy, waste, transportation and occupant well-being.
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The campus currently has 27 building projects certified by U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™). This represents over 17% of Berkeley’s total square footage.
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The campus includes 2 Platinum, 15 Gold, 9 Silver, and 1 Certified LEED™ building projects.
- There are nine electric building projects at Berkeley: Three are under construction, four are in design, and two are in the planning phase. The Bakar BioEnginuity Hub received LEED Gold certification in 2022 and is Berkeley’s first occupied all-electric building.
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New building and major renovation projects meet energy intensity performance targets or outperform energy codes by at least 20%.
- The campus Energy Use Policy outlines energy conservation targets for heating, cooling, and ventilation; lighting; equipment including computers; construction and renovation projects.
- The campus design standards and physical design frameworks support green building program. UC Berkeley Sustainable Building Standards Summary (2024)
Green Building
The Bakar BioEnginuity Hub received LEED Gold certification in 2022 and is Berkeley’s first occupied all-electric building.
STARS Performance Overview
Built Environment Category
(termed Building Design and Construction by STARS)
According to STARS, "This credit recognizes institutions that have incorporated environmental features into their design and construction projects. Decisions made during the design phase, such as where to locate the building and how it is oriented, can yield significant energy savings and reduce impacts on the site. By designing and building for enhanced indoor environmental quality, institutions can ensure their buildings provide safe, healthy, and productive spaces for the campus community.”
Berkeley's STARS Performance
Total Points Available: 3.00
Built Environment Points Claimed: 2.49
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UC Berkeley achieved 56% of available points in the STARS Buildings category. The average among all research universities is 34%.
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One hundred percent of UC Berkeley’s buildings are operated according to campus protocols governing air quality, energy use, and water management.
Research
The UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design offers courses and a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Design. The college also engages in theory-praxis research for sustainable topic such as the “Small Infrastructures” exhibition and symposium about ADU design. ADUs both reduce environmental impact and help to solve housing shortages.
Buildings Highlight
The campus’ commitment to sustainable construction and operations is demonstrated by the Connie & Kevin Chou Hall, part of the Haas School of Business. A six-story classroom building, Chou Hall is the first academic building in the country to earn TRUE Zero Waste certification and LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency. It is also achieved WELL certification.