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

  • MiEN Releases White Paper on Community College Space Innovation

    MiEN Company recently released a new white paper called “Designing New Innovative Spaces for Community Colleges” to address the needs of community colleges post-pandemic, according to a news release. The eight-page guide by Dr. Christina Counts, MiEN Company VP of Education and Marketing, covers topics like the enrollment drop that these schools have seen since COVID-19, the roles they play in higher education and local workforces, and five suggested key changes that can improve students’ experiences.

  • New Jersey PreK–12 School Breaks Ground on New STEM Building

    Saddle River Day School (SRDS) in Saddle River, N.J., recently announced that it has broken ground on the new Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship, according to a news release. The school partnered with DIGroup Architecture for the design of the new facility, which will provide the school with space to expand its STEM and business education classes.

  • modern college building with circuit and brain motifs

    Anthropic Introduces Claude for Education

    Anthropic has launched a version of its Claude AI assistant tailored for higher education institutions. Claude for Education "gives academic institutions secure, reliable AI access for their entire community," the company said, to enable colleges and universities to develop and implement AI-enabled approaches across teaching, learning, and administration.

  • Image courtesy of Armstrong International

    The Modern Hot Water System Approach to Keep Higher Education Buildings Safe and Operational

    Higher education campuses face unique structural and operational demands. With a range of old and new buildings, a variety of facility types, and ambitious sustainability goals, it's essential that no aspect of infrastructural performance is overlooked. Facility managers must be equipped to provide a safe, reliable and efficient space for students, faculty and guests.

Digital Edition