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The USC Capital Campus facilitates interdisciplinary scholars, policy professionals, faculty, and students to collaborate closely with premier government and research institutions. (USC Photo/Sydney Walley)
USC Capital Campus Receives LEED Platinum Certification
The certification of USC’s Washington, D.C., location emphasizes the university’s dedication to sustainability nationwide.
The USC Capital Campus has achieved LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
This accomplishment—the pinnacle of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification—highlights USC’s pledge to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement across its campuses.
“We are delighted that the USC Capital Campus has received LEED Platinum certification,” stated USC Capital Campus Executive Director Elyse Levine. “This is a significant acknowledgment of our commitment to establishing a forward-thinking and sustainable campus in the heart of Washington, D.C.”
When the Capital Campus was launched in the spring of 2023, it was initially certified LEED Gold for its core and shell. Over the subsequent two years, the university has enhanced the interior spaces of the campus with a focus on intelligent design, implementing strategic improvements to foster substantial sustainability advancements. These enhancements resulted in an energy cost saving of nearly 20%, adhering to USC’s ambitious Sustainable Design and Construction Guidelines.
LEED, the leading rating system for eco-friendly buildings, offers a framework for the comprehensive assessment of a building’s sustainability and environmental efficacy. To obtain LEED certification, facilities must fulfill specific prerequisites and undergo a thorough evaluation and review process.
“The recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council for the Capital Campus reinforces USC’s sustainability vision, ambitions, and goals articulated in our Assignment: Earth framework from coast to coast,” stated USC Chief Sustainability Officer Mick Dalrymple. “In particular, this honor and the dedicated efforts of the USC team and collaborators who attained it reflect the university’s commitment to evolving the Capital Campus into a sustainable and healthy ecosystem that promotes human well-being.”
As part of the project evaluation, points are granted for achieving specific criteria. Areas assessed include site and transport, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. The Capital Campus excelled in enhancing energy performance, minimizing indoor water consumption, and optimizing location and transportation.
LEED Platinum certification has additionally been awarded to the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall and the Dick Wolf Drama Center, both inaugurated at the USC University Park Campus last year.
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