University at Buffalo
IN-4: Innovation 4

The University at Buffalo’s Greiner Hall is a state-of-the-art residence hall that achieved LEED gold certification by taking various measures to enrich the student experience as well as promote campus sustainability. UB is the first public university in New York State to have a LEED Gold residence hall. Greiner Hall blends residential, academic, and recreational spaces to create a “learning landscape” but also incorporates many green technologies that truly make it a sustainable building. One of the most innovative sustainability features of Greiner Hall is a creative irrigation system that draws water from Lake LaSalle located adjacent to the building. The benefits of using this unique irrigation method to water the trees/plants surrounding Greiner Hall is that it reduces the use of municipal water and helps stabilize the immediate ground water. Additionally, less stress is put on UB’s water management system which further ensures accurate water monitoring and control. This creative irrigation system is an integral part of what makes Greiner Hall a distinctive example of sustainability, and furthers UB’s work to become a leader in sustainable practice.