Point Park University's state-of-the-art dance complex is the first building of its kind to receive  LEED Gold certification. The building's construction began in the fall of 2006 and students began to use the facilities in the fall of 2007 — at which point the building had received its Silver LEED certification. That wasn't enough for Point Park University, however, and the school's administration began to consider the steps necessary to move into LEED Gold territory, such as purchasing renewable energy to cover a portion of the already-efficient building's energy needs.

The complex is 44,000 square feet and contains five rehearsal studios and performance spaces. In addition to meeting the certification requirements for LEED certification, Point Park's facility also meets the benchmarks used to endorse the leading dance facilities in the country.

The Design Alliance (a Pittsburgh architectural firm) took the lead on designing Point Park University's newest facility. Its features include recycled building materials, water-efficient fixtures, an Energy-Star rated roof and sustainable wood floors.

The new facility represents a trend towards greener university campuses, as well as an effort to integrate energy efficiency and the other qualities that mark a green building with the qualities necessary for very specialized architecture.

Image — Park Point University