West Village, Rhodes’ newest residence hall which opened in August 2012, has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized program providing third-party verification of green buildings.
LEED-certified buildings are designed to lower operating costs and increase asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, be healthier and safer for occupants and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
Various rating systems (certified, silver, gold, platinum) exist to address different types of building projects including healthcare facilities, schools, homes and even entire neighborhoods.