Go green!

The 2008-09 school year marks the first time Illinois students concerned about the environment can make a "green" housing choice. That choice is Presby Hall, which is proud to be built according to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standard, and includes a ground source geothermal heating and cooling system.

Internationally, the move towards LEED and green building practices has been driven greatly by the tremendous benefits which are a direct result of implementing a green approach. Green buildings use key resources more efficiently when compared to conventional buildings which are simply built to code. LEED creates healthier work and living environments, contributes to higher productivity and improved health and comfort for residents and employees.

The USGBC has also compiled a long list of benefits of implementing a LEED strategy which ranges from improving air and water quality to reducing solid waste. The fundamental reduction in relative environmental impacts in addition to all of the economic and occupant benefits goes a long way for making a case for green building.