LEED™ Projects

ACC developed the nation's first privatized LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified student housing community for the University of Hawaii, Manoa, which opened Fall 2008. ACC is also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that created the LEED system, and a leading member of the 21st Century Project, which studies student housing's future trends. Additionally, ACC has seven LEED accredited professionals on our staff.

Certified Projects

The University of Hawaii at Manoa – LEED Silver

American Campus was awarded its first LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for Frear Hall at the University of Hawaii – Manoa. The 810-bed mid-rise community was developed by American Campus and opened Fall 2008.

Frear Hall has the following sustainable features:

• Sustainable Site: The project’s roof and hardscape areas are considered “cool” - reflecting the sun’s rays and deflecting the heat absorbed by typical dark-colored surfaces.



• Water Efficiency: Efficient plumbing fixtures were installed throughout Frear Hall resulting in a 30 percent reduction in water use as compared to conventional fixtures. Efficient plumbing fixtures in the project include:
  
  
  • Dual-flush toilets (half flush for liquid waste, full flush for solid waste)
  • Low-flow lavatory faucets
  • Low-flow showerheads.


• Energy & Atmosphere: Through the implementation of various energy efficiency measures, Frear Hall is 27 percent more efficient than a building meeting the latest, nationwide industry standard (ASHRAE 90.1-2004). Energy efficiency measures include:
  
  
  • Occupancy sensors that turn lights off when no one is in a room
  • Glass that reflects the sun’s heat
  • Efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. HVAC system can be monitored to make sure it is being used appropriately.
  • Natural ventilation for hallways and lobby areas


• Materials and Resources: During Frear Hall’s construction, more than half of the construction waste was diverted. Steel, concrete and wood were diverted from the landfill and either recycled or incinerated for energy production, and wood, cardboard, steel, metal and concrete were recycled.
  
  Today, Frear Hall continues to divert materials from landfill by encouraging its residents to recycle. Recycling bins for paper, cardboard, metals, plastics and glass are conveniently available on every floor.
  
  
• Indoor Environmental Quality: From the adhesives, sealants and paints used during construction, to the carpet installed throughout the project, low (or zero) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) products were chosen. In addition, non-toxic cleaning supplies that are compliant with the requirements of Green Seal’s GS-37 standard will be used throughout the community and are available to the residents.

Future LEED Certifications

Tracking LEED Gold
      •  University of California, Irvine – Phase III(opening Fall 2010)

Tracking LEED Silver
      •  Edinboro University of Pennsylvania – The Highlands (opened Fall 2008)
      •  Arizona State University – Barrett, the Honors College (opening Fall 2009)