Show-Me State Times

The O’Loughlin Family Champions Center at Saint Louis University has achieved LEED Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making it a recognized green building. According to Dustin Montgomery, Assistant Director of Construction Services, "It’s important we design/construct with sustainability in mind." He emphasized the significance of LEED within higher education for keeping students healthy and educating them on the importance of Environmental Stewardship.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program, established by the USGBC, sets a standard for best practices in creating healthy, high-performing green buildings. The certification framework aims to promote highly efficient, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly structures that offer various benefits.

The O’Loughlin Family Champions Center now stands alongside other LEED Certified buildings on campus, such as the Edward A. Doisy Research Center, Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building, and Jesuit Center. Projects earn credits in areas like sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy, materials, indoor quality, innovation, and regional priorities to achieve certification.

Montgomery explained that their project required between 50-59 points to secure LEED Silver certification, which involved using low-emitting materials, optimizing energy performance, commissioning, water use reduction, and rainwater management. The completion of the 25,000-square-foot center was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October, showcasing a facility designed to provide support services for over 400 Billiken student-athletes at Saint Louis University.