Colgate University’s steadfast commitment to green building practices has turned into a gold LEED certification for Bernstein Hall, the new campus home for the Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Initiative.
The updated LEED standards are more demanding than ever, requiring detailed accounting of construction materials, building performance, and occupant well-being. That made the gold certification both a challenge and a major accomplishment, according to John Pumilio, associate provost for sustainability.
“For Bernstein Hall, this meant a deeper level of coordination and accountability in every phase of the project,” Pumilio said. “Our team — especially Jason Miner and Steve Hughes from the Facilities Department — worked hard to ensure that our architects, engineers, and contractors met Colgate’s green building standards.”
Bernstein Hall, completed in 2024 with a leadership gift from Dan Benton ’80, H’10, P’10, is where students pursue in-depth coursework in film and media studies, digital art, computer science, music, dance, and theater. It’s the seventh building on campus to achieve LEED status.
The 30,000-square-foot building is anchored by a geothermal energy system: 30 wells drilled nearly 500 feet below the surface, where stable underground temperatures are harnessed to provide renewable energy.
Additional features like the high-efficiency geothermal heat pump system, energy-saving LED lighting with daylight harvesting, and low-flow fixtures for hot water conservation are projected to generate a 29% annual energy savings and a 46% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
The building design also emphasized indoor air quality, natural light, and outdoor views, all of which support occupant well-being.
“This project underscores the University’s commitment to use financial resources wisely, recognizing that the true cost of any new building lies in its long-term operations and the well-being of everyone within its walls,” said Pumilio.
A project this size will definitely create waste, but Colgate’s sustainable building practices address that, as well. At Bernstein Hall, 78% of construction waste was diverted from landfills by processing materials such as asphalt and masonry on-site for recycling or reuse.
“I hope everyone on campus is proud of this LEED certification,” said Pumilio. “It sends a clear message that Colgate is aligning its physical infrastructure with its broader sustainability goals and the bold vision outlined in our Third-Century Plan.”