University of Tampa building receives environmental certification

The Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building, opened in September 2015, was built with 30 percent of its materials locally sourced.
The Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building, opened in September 2015, was built with 30 percent of its materials locally sourced. | File photo

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently awarded the University of Tampa’s Maureen Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification.

"The University is committed to providing healthy, safe and efficient buildings for all students, faculty and staff,” Tampa President Ronald Vaughn said. “The Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building is a special and unique multi-purpose facility that addresses numerous institutional needs. It is satisfying to have achieved LEED certification while also meeting our facility goals.”

The Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building, opened in September 2015, was built with 30 percent of its materials locally sourced and designed to maximize natural light through lighting controls. The building uses Tampa’s high-efficiency chiller plant to reduce energy use and reduces water waste through efficient plumbing fixtures. It is 30 percent more efficient than a comparable building.

“The University of Tampa’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” USGBC  founding chair  and CEO Rick Fedrizzi said. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and The University of Tampa serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”

This is Tampa’s fourth campus building to meet USGBC’s LEED certification program requirements.