According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), buildings account for approximately 40% of the nation’s total energy consumption, 14% of its water use, and 40% of emissions. At George Mason University, our buildings produce 71% of our emissions and we spend close to $10 million a year in energy costs. If we can reduce our building energy consumption, not only will it make a positive impact on the environment, it can free up funds for other important benefits and services for Mason’s students, faculty, and staff members.
George Mason has committed to building all new buildings or major renovations to a minimum USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification level, and has several Virginia Energy and Environmental Standard (VEES) certified buildings.
Our building, design, construction, and operation standards and guidelines are outlined for our design teams in George Mason’s University Design Information Manual.
LEED BD+C Certified
LEED Platinum:
- FUSE at Mason Square (2025)
LEED Gold:
- Eastern Shore (2012)
- Hampton Roads (2012)
- The Global Center (2010) *Cabrera Global Center
LEED Silver:
- Robinson Hall (2023)
- Horizon Hall (2023)
- Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall (2021)
- Fenwick Library (2020)
- Ike’s Dining Hall (2016)
- Taylor Hall (2016)
- Exploratory Hall (2015)
- Nguyen Engineering (2010)
- Smithsonian Housing
LEED Certified
- Vernon Smith Hall (Founders Hall) (2012)
Anticipated/In Progress
- Point of View
- Potomac Science Center
- Life Science Engineer Building
- Activities Building
Virginia Energy Conservation and Environmental Standards (VEES) certified
- Rogers: VEES
- Whitetop: VEES