13 ‘Green’ Buildings from Columbia Architects – Columbia University

Sustainable Architecture and the Achievement of LEED Certification

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, awarded by the US Green Building Council, represents a significant benchmark in sustainable design. Projects seeking LEED certification must adhere to stringent criteria related to energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable materials. These requirements align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Notable LEED-Certified Projects by Alumni Architects

Denver Union Station

Derek A. R. Moore ’88GSAPP, principal architect at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), led the transformation of Denver’s historic Union Station into a modern transit hub. Completed in 2014, the project received LEED Gold certification, emphasizing sustainable transportation infrastructure (SDG 11) and energy efficiency (SDG 7). The design integrates the original Beaux-Arts train hall with new open-air terminals, promoting sustainable urban development.

• LEED Gold certification
• Focus on sustainable transportation and urban renewal
• Integration of historic preservation with modern sustainability

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Diller Scofidio + Renfro, founded by Charles Renfro ’94GSAPP, Elizabeth Diller ’18HON, and the late Ricardo Scofidio ’60GSAPP, achieved a LEED Platinum rating for the 2014–2019 renovation and expansion of MoMA. The project incorporated water reduction technologies and an adaptive temperature-control system, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• LEED Platinum certification, the highest sustainability rating
• Innovative water use reduction and energy management
• Enhancement of cultural infrastructure with sustainable design

One Vanderbilt

Charles Ippolito ’88CC, managing principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), oversaw the design of One Vanderbilt, Midtown Manhattan’s tallest office tower, completed in 2020. The building earned LEED Platinum certification by maximizing natural light, integrating a combined heat and power plant, and implementing a rainwater collection system. This project supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

• LEED Platinum certification
• Energy-efficient design including renewable energy systems
• Promotion of sustainable urban infrastructure

Barclays Center

SHoP Architects, founded by Gregg Pasquarelli ’94GSAPP and colleagues, designed the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, achieving LEED Silver certification. The arena features a grass-covered dome and sustainable design elements that contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• LEED Silver certification
• Innovative green roofing and sustainable materials
• Support for community and cultural engagement

The House at Cornell Tech

Deborah Moelis ’94GSAPP of Handel Architects designed The House at Cornell Tech, a passive house apartment tower on Roosevelt Island, completed in 2017. The building holds LEED Platinum certification and exemplifies energy conservation and sustainable living, directly supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• LEED Platinum certification
• Passive house design minimizing energy consumption
• Largest passive house residential development in East Harlem

National Music Centre of Canada

Brad Cloepfil ’85GSAPP, founder of Allied Works, led the design of the National Music Centre in Calgary, which received LEED Gold certification. The project integrates sustainable design principles that align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• LEED Gold certification
• Innovative architectural design with environmental considerations
• Recognition with the 2022 Prairie Design Award of Excellence

Woodstock Library

Rice + Lipka Architects, led by Lyn Rice ’94GSAPP and Astrid Lipka ’00GSAPP, renovated the Woodstock Library in the Bronx, achieving LEED Gold certification. The project enhanced natural light and modernized the 1914 structure, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• LEED Gold certification
• Improved natural lighting and sustainable renovation
• Creation of community-focused cultural spaces

Mission Rock Building B

WORKac, co-founded by Amale Andraos and Dan Wood ’92GSAPP, designed Mission Rock Building B in San Francisco, which earned LEED Gold certification in 2024. The office building incorporates energy-efficient windows, increased natural light, and water recycling systems, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

• LEED Gold certification
• Energy and water efficiency features
• Promotion of sustainable commercial architecture

MiMA and Yotel

Arquitectonica, co-founded by Laurinda Spear ’75GSAPP, designed the MiMA apartment building and Yotel hotel in New York City, achieving LEED Gold certification. The complex is recognized for its energy efficiency, aligning with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• LEED Gold certification
• Energy-efficient high-rise development
• Additional projects include platinum and gold-rated headquarters and courthouses

University of Chicago Keller Center

Farr Associates, led by Doug Farr ’87GSAPP, specializes in sustainable design. Their LEED Platinum renovation of the University of Chicago Keller Center exemplifies sustainable higher education infrastructure, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• LEED Platinum certification
• Focus on sustainable educational facilities
• Participation in the Living Building Challenge

Javits Center Expansion

WXY Architecture + Urban Design, co-led by Adam Lubinsky ’01GSAPP, designed the 2022 expansion of the Jacob Javits Center, earning LEED Gold certification. The project features solar panels and rainwater collection, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• LEED Gold certification
• Incorporation of renewable energy and water conservation
• Enhancement of urban convention facilities

Sunset Park Library

Magnusson Architecture and Planning, led by Magnus Magnusson ’78GSAPP and Brian Loughlin ’02GSAPP, designed the Sunset Park Library in Brooklyn, which achieved LEED Silver certification. The project combines affordable housing with public library space, advancing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• LEED Silver certification
• Mixed-use development with affordable housing
• Community-centered design approach

Edge

Isaac-Daniel Astrachan ’90CC, principal architect at SBJ Group, designed Edge, a waterfront apartment complex in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. The building, completed in 2011, was New York City’s largest LEED Gold residential project at the time, deriving 70% of its energy from renewable sources. This supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• LEED Gold certification
• High renewable energy utilization
• Leadership in sustainable residential development

Conclusion

The projects led by Columbia alumni architects demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable development, aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Through innovative design and rigorous adherence to LEED standards, these buildings contribute to energy efficiency, sustainable urbanization, and improved quality of life. Their achievements highlight the critical role of architecture in advancing global sustainability objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Projects incorporate energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and combined heat and power plants.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Innovative sustainable design and infrastructure development in buildings and public spaces.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Development of sustainable urban buildings, public spaces, and transportation hubs.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Use of sustainable materials and efficient resource management such as water recycling and rainwater collection.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reduction of energy consumption and carbon footprint through green building certifications.
6. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Improved indoor air quality and temperature control systems in buildings.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and waste management.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
6. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. LEED Certification Levels
   • LEED ratings (Platinum, Gold, Silver) serve as indicators of sustainability performance, measuring energy efficiency, water use, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials.
2. Energy Efficiency Metrics
   • Use of combined heat and power plants, natural light maximization, and renewable energy sources (e.g., 70% energy from renewables at Edge building).
3. Water Use Reduction
   • Integration of rainwater-collection systems and water recycling systems in buildings.
4. Indoor Environmental Quality
   • Temperature-control systems that adjust based on occupancy and improved indoor air quality.
5. Waste Reduction and Sustainable Materials
   • Use of sustainable materials and design features that reduce waste generation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	7.2: Increase share of renewable energy 7.3: Double rate of energy efficiency improvement	LEED certification energy efficiency credits Use of combined heat and power plants Percentage of energy from renewable sources (e.g., 70% at Edge)
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.4: Upgrade infrastructure to be sustainable	LEED certification for sustainable infrastructure Innovative design features (e.g., temperature-control systems)
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.6: Reduce environmental impact of cities	LEED certification for urban buildings and public spaces Water recycling and rainwater collection systems
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.2: Sustainable management of natural resources 12.5: Reduce waste generation	Use of sustainable materials Water recycling and waste reduction features
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience to climate hazards	LEED certification addressing climate resilience Energy-efficient and renewable energy systems
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from pollution	Indoor air quality improvements Temperature control systems based on occupancy

Source: magazine.columbia.edu