Valley Dining Center to celebrate its LEED Gold certification

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will recognize the Valley Dining Center's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design—LEED—certification during a brief program later this month.

The University community is invited to attend and learn more about the dining center's LEED Gold certification starting at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, on the facility's first floor.

Making remarks will be Dr. Edward Montgomery, WMU president; Dr. Diane Anderson, WMU vice president for student affairs; Judy Gipper, WMU director of Dining Services; and Cheri Holman, executive director of the West Michigan chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Members of the WMU Core Team, SmithGroup, Baker Group Foodservice Consulting and Christman Construction Co. will be in attendance to celebrate the accomplishment.

The LEED Gold rating is the second highest of four levels of certification for facility design and construction, and symbolizes the University's commitment to advance sustainable stewardship.

"The LEED certification identifies Valley Dining Center as a showcase example of sustainability and demonstrates leadership in transforming the building industry," according to the U.S. Green Building Council and is a significant achievement in the pursuit of environmental sustainability for the University.

The Valley Dining Center, opened in fall 2016, serves fresh and healthy menu options to residents of the Valley Residential Neighborhood. The facility incorporates a variety of sustainable features and green building functions demonstrating continued support of University and divisional strategic priorities.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.

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