Columbia, S.C. — The University of South Carolina's West Quad residence hall has earned Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The university reports that it is the nation's largest healthy and energy-efficient college residence hall.

“We're pleased to have achieved the goal we set at the beginning of this project - to obtain Silver LEED certification without spending more for the buildings,” said Dr. Gene Luna, associate vice president and director of student development and university housing. “However, we're more excited about the quality of life for the students living in West Quad and the enhanced value they and the thousands of visitors have gained by learning about the various environmentally sensitive aspects of this community of learners.”

More than 500 students live in West Quad, which opened in fall 2004. The 172,000-square-foot complex includes three four-story buildings and a Learning Center where university classes are taught and environmentally related events and programs are held.