Add as a preferred source on Google

New Kent State Academic Building Earns LEED Silver Certification

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/26/25

Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, recently announced that its newest academic building, Crawford Hall, has earned a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The facility was recognized for its innovative design, water conservation technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction materials, among other features.

Crawford Hall opened in August 2024, stands four stories, and covers about 150,000 square feet. It serves as the home for the university’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. It has also become the 16th LEED-certified building in the Kent State system, the news release reports.

“The LEED Silver certification for Crawford Hall recognizes the hard work and dedication by both our design and construction teams while underscoring our commitment to integrating high-performance building strategies into the infrastructure of Kent State’s campus,” said Jay Graham, Kent State University architect and executive director of facilities planning and design. “From optimized energy systems and water efficiency to locally sourced material selection and indoor environmental quality, this facility exemplifies our approach to operational efficiency and long-term value for the university.”

Sustainable features include high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems; low-flow plumbing fixtures; using recycled and local building materials; amenities for bicycles and access to public transport; and use of natural daylighting, according to the news release.

The university partnered with Perkins&Will and The Collaborative for the building’s design.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • KI Launches K–12 Classroom Furniture Giveaway

    Contract furniture company KI recently announced the launch of its fourth-annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway, which awards $50,000 each to four K–12 educators across the U.S., according to a news release. The goal is to address decreasing student engagement and increasing teacher burnout numbers by updating learning spaces to accommodate modern needs.

  • California High School Starts Construction on STEAM, Music Buildings

    Tamalpais High School, part of the Tamalpais Union High School District, recently broke ground on two new major facilities for its campus in Mill Valley, Calif., according to a news release. The district is partnering with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Lathrop Construction Associates for the Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and Music Buildings, both replacing their outdated counterparts.

  • Extron, CENTEGIX Partner for Comprehensive School Security Solution

    Professional audiovisual solutions provider Extron recently announced a partnership with CENTEGIX, which provides rapid incident response technology, to integrate two of their top products in the name of school safety.

  • Uvalde Schools Receive AI Security Technology through Grant Program

    AI-powered gun detection and emergency response technology solutions provider Omnilert recently launched the Save Haven Grant program, according to a news release. The first recipient of the grant, aimed specifically at schools that have faced gun violence, will be the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (Uvalde CISD) in Uvalde, Texas.

Digital Edition