Energy Efficiency  -  December 17, 2020

Northeastern student housing granted LEED Platinum for sustainability

American Campus Communities announced Dec. 16 that its sustainable student housing at Northeastern University will be sourcing renewable energy and has been awarded LEED Platinum certification for its sustainability initiatives.

ACC is the largest owner, manager and developer of student housing in the U.S. and owns LightView, the most sustainable housing community at the Boston campus. The company completed an agreement with Direct Energy Business to source 6,678,000 kWh of renewable energy, which is enough to offset 5,205 tons of CO2.

“Our team is honored to receive this prestigious LEED Platinum certification to recognize our passion to find ways to incorporate sustainability in ways that is compatible with affordability,” James Wilhelm, executive vice president, public-private partnerships for American Campus Communities, said in a statement. “With smart, sustainable construction and operations including sourcing green energy, we are committed to doing our part in shaping a brighter future for students, employees, campuses, communities, and the planet.”

In the construction of the facility, ACC designed the building with high-efficiency HVAC systems to ensure healthier indoor air quality, in addition to efficient LED lighting and efficient water systems throughout. To achieve its LEED Platinum certification, ACC ensured the building met the baseline requirements for the certification, such as ENERGY STAR appliances, motion/occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats and timers on hot tubs and fire pits to reduce gas consumption.

It is estimated that LEED-certified buildings have 34% lower CO2 emissions and consume 25% less energy.

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