Western Kentucky University will open its first “green” building later next year that will meet the standards for structure materials, building and energy consumption.

Last month, the administration of the University stated that the $35 million College of Education and Behavioral Sciences establishment will be open for classes this coming January.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council’s certification system or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the building has been erected with their permission, as reported by The Daily News in Bowling Green.

Western Kentucky University President Gary Ransdell said that as a public university, their significant accountability is to be an example for sustainability. Also, he includes that the target of the project is to have reduced energy utilization, recycling, more trees and green space, and well-organized construction.

The 120,000-square foot, three-story structure replaces Tate Page Hall, which comprises of a technology center, faculty offices, research laboratory, administrative offices, classrooms and a clinic. Also, about 200 staffs that include full-time and part-time professors, staff and graduate assistants will be working in the establishment.

The building holds a number of energy-saving actions and systems such as insulated concrete, low-flow plumbing, motion-sensing lights and lighting that automatically regulates to parts where it is most needed, and highly developed heating, ventilating and air conditioning structures.

Likewise, the latest building will meet essential LEED-certification requirements. However, John Osborne, WKU vice president for campus services and facilities said that the university executives wish to accomplish a rating that is higher than the new state-mandated LEED bare minimum. He also added up that the future structure will be one of the assets of their university.

In addition to what Osborne said, Ben Johnson, assistant director of the Western Kentucky University Department of Planning and Construction stated that once the new structure has been utilized for at least a year, the systems installed in the building will be inspected in order to know the level of LEED certification.