LEED Buildings

The U.S. Green Building Council created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, construction sustainability rating system in 1990. LEED is based on a holistic design approach that integrates energy efficiency, the environment, and the design/construction processes. LEED offers points that encourage an exceptional work place environment for end users as well as creating a sustainable and energy efficient building. Based upon the earned number of credits, or points, buildings receive one of the following rankings:

  • Certified
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum

LEED Silver is the Butler standard for new construction and major renovations, but Gold or higher is strived for whenever possible. Even small renovation projects on campus incorporate the LEED sustainability concepts.

Science Complex

Courtyard sidewalk with large shade trees in front of Butler's Science Complex with large wall of windows.

The Science Complex achieved LEED Gold in 2023. The $100 million investment includes high-tech classrooms that promote learning by doing, labs that mimic the set-up at top research companies, and work spaces encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Hinkle Fieldhouse

Brick exterior on the west side of Hinkle Fieldhouse on a sunny day.

The administration wing of Hinkle Fieldhouse, renovated in 2014, achieved LEED Gold in 2016. Tours are available upon request through Butler Athletics.

Athletic Annex

Butler University Athletic Annex and parking lot.

The Athletic Annex achieved LEED Gold in 2017. Tours are available upon request through Butler Athletics.

Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts

Schrott Center for the Performing Arts limestone exterior and south entrance with shade trees against building.

Opened in 2013 with LEED Gold Certification, the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts is Butler’s Second LEED Gold Certified building.

The facility uses 55 percent less water and 22 percent less energy (saving the University an estimated $19,000 per year based on 2013 energy costs) than a typical building its size because of construction measures that include:

  • A white roof that reflects heat rather than absorbs it
  • Dual-pane insulated window assemblies featuring a thermal break
  • Energy-efficient light fixtures
  • Motion and occupancy sensors
  • Low-flow restroom fixtures
  • A rain garden that captures and filters storm water runoff
  • Pervious asphalt that further reduces storm water runoff
  • Green power credits were purchased for 100 percent of the projected electricity consumption for two years.
  • 78 percent of the construction waste was recycled and thus diverted from landfills.
  • 75 percent of the materials used for construction were extracted and manufactured from within 500 miles of the project site, including limestone on the building exterior.
  • This facility is cleaned using green cleaning products.

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Addition  

Butler Pharmacy and Health Sciences limestone exterior and main entrance bask in the light of a warm sunrise.

Opened in 2009 with LEED Gold Certification, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences addition was Butler’s first LEED certified building. This project incorporated:

  • Bicycle racks that were installed to encourage occupants to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by riding bicycles rather than driving vehicles
  • Dual flush toilets that allow the occupant to select a lower water flow option when a full flush is not needed
  • Low-flow urinals, sinks and showers to conserve an estimate of almost 300,000 gallons/year. That’s enough water to fill up the HRC lap pool over two and a half times!
  • Energy efficient equipment that helps make the building 30 percent more energy efficient than a standard building of its type and size
  • Recycled content, which makes up more than 30 percent of the building
  • Building materials (40 percent) that were extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of Butler’s campus
  • Adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and carpet systems that contain low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Ways to improve the indoor environment:
    • Over 90 percent of regularly occupied rooms have access to windows.
    • Over 90 percent of occupants have individual lighting controls.
    • Over 50 percent of offices have a thermostat to control their individual environment.
    • Green cleaning products are used to maintain the appearance of the building.

Fairview House

Limestone exterior with windows of Fairview House dormitory by the main entrance courtyard.

The Fairview House residence hall has over 650 beds and was completed in 2016 through a partnership with American Campus Communities. Fairview achieved LEED Gold in 2017. Features include:

  • A white roof that reflects heat rather than absorbs it
  • Alternative transportation: public transportation (IndyGo) and bike rack storage available
  • Energy-efficient light fixtures
  • Reduced water use with low-flush fixtures that decrease potable water by more than 46 percent, resulting in 3.5 million gallons of water saved per year
  • Responsible material choices (over 85 percent of construction waste diverted from landfills)
  • Improved indoor environmental quality by having 90 percent of all regularly occupied areas with a view of the exterior

Irvington House

Irvington House dormitory with hundreds of windows that overlook criss-crossing paths and greenery.

The Irvington House residence hall has over 630 beds and was completed in 2018 through a partnership with American Campus Communities. Irvington achieved LEED Gold in 2018. It was recognized for the following:

  • Reduced water use was achieved with low-flush fixtures that decrease potable water by more than 46 percent, resulting in 3.5 million gallons of water saved per year.
  • Responsible material choices were made for over 85 percent of construction waste to be diverted from landfills.
  • Improved indoor environmental quality: 90 percent of all regularly occupied areas have a view of the exterior.
  • Open space was maximized with 60,000 square feet as vegetated open space while over 32,000 square feet is other paving.
  • Alternative transportation: public transportation (IndyGo) and bike rack storage are available.
  • White roof was selected to dissipate heat and avoid artificially elevating ambient temperatures.
  • By utilizing effective and efficient lighting design, the building reduces energy consumption (50 percent savings in lighting energy use).

Dugan Hall

Dugan Hall south entrance with large windows and signage that says, "We're Changing What It Means to Be a University."

Dugan Hall, the home of the Lacy School of Business, was completed in August 2019 and achieved LEED Gold upon opening.

  • Maximized open space with 72,000 square feet of project boundary remaining and 60 percent of vegetation preserved
  • White roof was selected to dissipate heat and avoid artificially elevating ambient temperatures.
  • Alternative transportation: public transportation (IndyGo) and bike rack storage available
  • Reduced water use with low-flush fixtures that decrease potable water by more than 46 percent, resulting in 3.5 million gallons of water saved per year
  • Reduced energy consumption—24 percent energy savings compared to a baseline building model during construction, with the building using 23 percent less electricity and 44 percent less natural gas
  • Efficient lighting design through use of LED fixtures and motion-controlled fixtures
  • Improved indoor environmental quality with variable-speed air handler to efficiently move air throughout the space
  • Natural lighting used in lieu of artificial lights for energy savings and environment
  • Low emitting materials—low volatile organic compound (VOC) used for adhesives, sealants, paints, flooring systems, etc.
  • Responsible material choices made for over 85 percent of construction waste to be diverted from landfills