University of Pittsburgh Achieves Its First LEED Platinum Certification for Salk Hall Renovation

We are thrilled to announce that the University of Pittsburgh has achieved its first LEED Platinum certification. The renovation of Salk Hall has achieved this top-level certification for the 11-story building that is home to the School of Pharmacy and the School of Dental Medicine.

University of Pittsburgh’s Salk Hall acheives LEED Platinum certification. Rendering courtesy of Ballinger

The 99,777 square foot renovation of the 82-year-old building includes water efficient fixtures, Energy Star compliant roofing, energy efficient HVAC systems, efficient equipment and a lighting power density that is almost 45% better than buildings of similar size and use. Water savings were simulated to be over 30% in comparison to similar buildings and over 90% of construction material waste was diverted from landfills.

“This was a complex multi-phase, multi-year project and we are thrilled to have played our role in this effective transformation and modernization. This project is the first of several in the queue helping the University address its sustainability goals,“ said Marc Mondor, Principal of evolveEA.

“This IS a big deal for Pitt!” stated Ron Leibow, the University’s Director of Capital Projects, making note of this project’s ability to leverage its value in the marketplace. Visible sustainable projects have been shown to increase interest among students, retention among staff and faculty, and prowess among peer groups.

Platinum is the top-level LEED certification available, with LEED as the preeminent global green building rating system used in over 180 countries. With this accomplishment, the University of Pittsburgh demonstrates its commitment and leadership in advancing the goals of the Pittsburgh 2030 District as well as sustainable design.