The Center for Virtual Learning and the Early Learning Center, two of Ferris State University’s newest Big Rapids campus facilities, earned the U.S. Green Building Council certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The Center for Virtual Learning is home to programs in Ferris State’s School of Digital Media and the School of Education, with areas dedicated to high-interest emphases like Esports and Artificial Intelligence. 

The Early Learning Center supports care for children of students, employees, staff, and community members. It also provides experiential learning opportunities for students seeking degrees in Early Childhood Education.

Associate Vice President of Facilities Joe Haupt said Grand Rapids-based Catalyst Partners provided the certification services necessary for the USGBC to award LEED Certified status.

“Our professional design and construction management partners are well versed in the LEED documentation process for a capital construction project seeking LEED certification,” Haupt said. “Ferris’ board of trustees mandate all new major capital construction projects have the ability to be LEED Certified and the assurance of our efforts in good stewardship is well worth the effort and cost.”

Other new or renovated campus facilities receiving LEED certification include East Campus Suites (LEED Gold, 2011), Michigan College of Optometry (LEED Gold, 2012), David L. Eisler Center (LEED Gold, 2015), West Campus Apartments – Finch Court (LEED Gold, 2016), North Hall (LEED Gold, 2017) and Swan Annex (LEED Silver, 2019).

“Sustainability is a pillar of Ferris State’s latest Strategic Plan considerations,” Haupt said. “Current building design codes are focused on delivering energy-efficient operations. The LEED process requires the project team to document the design and construction efforts to reduce water use, lower our electric and natural gas utilization and present a healthy environment for those who work or study in these buildings.”

The LEED green building rating system has evolved since its introduction in 1998. LEED is available for all types of projects and is a robust, flexible, and transparent third-party certification program.

(Image provided by Ferris State University).