The Miami Business School, located on the University of Miami Coral Cables campus, has achieved LEED Gold Certification for Existing Building Operations & Maintenance (EBOM) as designated by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for its environmental performance and sustainable operations. Created by the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, DC, LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. The project is the first LEED v4.1 OM higher-education building in the State of Florida.

The impressive accomplishment was the centerpiece of a special USGBC ceremony on campus at the Miami Business School (MBS). The ceremony featured the presentation of LEED certification by USGBC Miami and The Spinnaker Group, the project’s LEED consultant, to John Quelch, the Dean of the University of Miami Business School.

“As Miami Business School proudly launches its new MS degree in Sustainable Business, it’s essential that we walk the talk,” says Dean Quelch. “Congratulations to our staff and students for securing LEED certification for our buildings. We hope this motivates other University of Miami Schools and Colleges to do the same.”

The 163,885 square foot facility, the first LEED Existing building that has been certified on the UM campus, is 30% more energy efficient than the national average of university college buildings, with more than 90% LED lighting, in-room air quality sensors, audio/visual and tele-presence technology, and automatic window shading. Designers also focused on ergonomics and comfort by including state-of-the art furniture, indoor foliage, and outdoor views. Through an effectively managed O&M process, the MBS will work continuously to improve water and energy conservation efforts and be resource-efficient while meeting the comfort, health and safety requirements of the building occupants.

“This project is a true demonstration of the possibilities and capabilities of existing buildings and the efficiency of the newly launched LEED v4.1 for Existing Buildings,” said Jonathan Burgess, Principal of The Spinnaker Group. “We enjoyed working with the talented professionals from the University and the supporting vendors and contractors working at the Business School. Our integrated team approach significantly reduced the project’s environmental footprint and achieved noteworthy turnaround time. Students and faculty at the beautiful Miami Business School will be the most important beneficiaries of the University’s green vision come to fruition.”

The University of Miami Business School (MBS) was founded in 1929, and offers undergraduate business, full-time MBA, Executive MBA, MS, Ph.D. and non-degree executive education programs. This month, August 2019, the Business School launched its MS in Sustainable Business degree to announce its commitment to sustainable business and education.

“Achieving LEED certification is more than implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. “The University of Miami is demonstrating tremendous leadership through the LEED Gold certification of its business school, and the Spinnaker Group continues to set the sustainability bar with each new LEED project it supports.”