| This dissertation identifies the reasons why institutions of higher education pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for new construction of campus housing. The research was guided by three questions: 1. Why did the institution choose to pursue LEED certification for campus housing? 2. What considerations should be made in the design, development, and planning process of a LEED residence hall? 3. What significant impact has the LEED residence hall made on campus?;The outcomes of this study will provide insight to university and housing administrators who are considering pursuit of LEED certification for new residence hall development. The primary sources of data are chief housing officers or their designees at public four-year colleges and universities with new campus housing awarded LEED certification. Qualitative research techniques were used to conduct interviews by LEED certification level: Platinum, Silver, Gold, and Certified. Data collection ended when data saturation of each question in each certification level was achieved. This dissertation offers reasons why universities pursue LEED certification: state requirement, institutional commitment, institutional standard, environmental stewardship, departmental decision, and student interest. Additionally, considerations and lessons learned from the pursuit of LEED certification have been identified and can serve as a guide to housing administrators who aim to achieve any LEED level certification. |
