The Science of Sustainability

The exhibit was written by Cheryl Rusnak and curated by Cheryl Rusnak and Jennifer Hart.

Green building design is increasingly popular in building construction. Innovations in green technology and improved assessment standards of how environmentally sustainable a building is have helped fuel this growth. This exhibit takes a close look at some aspects of sustainable building design and how they can produce greener buildings. We begin with an exploration of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification process. We then look at some sustainable elements of a green building: sustainable and recycled materials, renewable energy and water conservation, and green and cool roofs. Examples of green building design at the University of Chicago are highlighted.