Buildings

UVA has the singular distinction among U.S. colleges of being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Not only are UVA historic preservation experts maintaining structures for continued use, the University is adding cutting-edge buildings to our portfolio – all with an eye toward sustainability. The University’s physical footprint comprises over 550 buildings that must be maintained for a range of uses including classrooms, offices, dormitories, science and medical labs, cafeterias, heating and cooling facilities, the arts, libraries and much more. Encompassing more than 19 million square feet, these facilities are key to supporting the University’s 2030-2050 Sustainability Plan.  

UVA’s buildings impact the environment in numerous ways. They are responsible for over 95% of the University’s energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, and over 80% of water consumption. They can also affect human health and well-being. Access to fresh air and daylight, for example, has been shown to enhance the mental and physical health of occupants. UVA has developed a suite of initiatives to promote sustainable, high-performance facilities

UVA has developed a suite of initiatives to promote sustainable, high-performance facilities (see below). Despite a 21% increase in building area and an 18.4% growth in population between 2010 and 2021, UVA reduced its carbon footprint by almost 43% emissions. As the University works to complete several major projects and renovations (the Kimpton Forum Hotel at Darden, Karsh Institute of Democracy, School of Data Science, Hotel and Conference Center, Center for the Arts, Contemplative Sciences Center and the Alderman Library renovation), we anticipate that ratio will continue to decrease.

Photo of Contemplative Commons

Green Building Standards

The UVA Green Building Standards are required of all new construction and renovations, and identify sustainability best practices that support the University’s stewardship goals, promote human health and reduce facility operating costs. The standards apply to all new buildings and major renovations. 

LEED Buildings

Since 2007, UVA has required that all major construction or renovation projects pursue green building certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program operated by the US Green Building Council. UVA has 91 LEED certified projects encompassing over 5 million square feet certified.

Photo of rooftop solar panels

Building Efficiency Program

Housed in UVA’s Office for Sustainability, the Building Efficiency Program provides whole-building performance contracting services for facilities across Grounds. Using a revolving loan fund model, the program (formerly known as Delta Force ), provides these services at no upfront cost to projects. 

Sustainable Labs

The Sustainable Labs program bridges safety and energy efficiency in UVA's research spaces by individually and comprehensively assessing each lab, consulting its researchers, UVA Health and Safety experts, and energy engineers to identify infrastructure improvements. The program is anticipated to save an estimated $5 million per year, expanding on the already established and successful Green Labs program, which engages with researchers on sustainability practices in their labs.

Sustainable Clinics

The Sustainable Clinics program provides a framework for optimizing the performance of University Medical Center buildings by identifying opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, reliability and occupant health in clinical settings. Recently completed projects in MR-4, PLSB and Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center have avoided over $1,500,000 in annual utility costs. 

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We are proud to have received a number of designations and award for the combined efforts of multiple UVA partner entities as we continue to move the University toward achieving the goals in the UVA 2020-2030 Sustainability Plan.

Buildings Resources

Existing Buildings

New Buildings and Renovations