The Cleveland 2030 District, in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council Ohio NE Region, has announced the winners of its annual Green Building Challenge – a competition to measure progress in reducing energy use, water consumption and commuter transportation emissions. CSU picked up awards in all three categories.

“We work hard to reduce the environmental impact of campus operations through energy and water conservation measures,” said Jennifer McMillin, CSU director of sustainability. “We're grateful for the recognition of our efforts through the Green Building Challenge.”

CSU was honored for these significant improvements:

•    CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law building has had a reduction from baseline of 40 to 49 percent in energy use, and over 50 percent reduction in water consumption.
•    The CSU Music & Communication building has had a reduction from baseline of 40 to 49 percent in energy use.
•    CSU’s Center for Innovation in Medical Professions has had a reduction from baseline of 40 to 49 percent in water consumption.
•    The CSU Science Building has had a reduction from baseline of 30 to 39 percent in energy use.
•    The university has had a baseline 40 to 49 percent reduction in transportation emissions.

CSU has performed energy audits on most major campus buildings over the last few years and has implemented a variety of measures to reduce energy use including LED lighting upgrades, improved building controls and scheduling, and initiatives aimed at conserving energy in science labs.

“Reducing energy consumption is important not only for the financial savings but to meet our goals for reducing campus greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the threats of climate change. We congratulate our peers on their achievements and look forward to continued collaboration in best practices for building management,” said McMillin.