Make your community more sustainable

Sustainable buildings with LEED

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world used in 167 countries and is recognized as a benchmark for industry excellence in sustainability.

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) + LEED

RIT not only undertake ground-breaking sustainability research, they also live the principles of a sustainable community and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. They currently house 8 LEED certified buildings and have committed to LEED certifications for all future residential construction. Their award-winning property - Global Village - is LEED Gold for phase one and LEED Silver for phase two.

All of RIT’s newer residences and many of their older ones feature low water flow fixtures, Energy Star-rated appliances, LED lighting, occupancy sensors to reduce energy consumption, and high-efficiency laundry facilities.

Embedded sustainability at RIT

• ‍‍Recycle used carpets and mattresses to avoid adding to landfills.
• An internal student-run move out collection program, which allows students to donate unwanted items when they move out which are then sold during move-in.
• The proceeds gained during move-in then fund student- proposed sustainability initiatives on campus.

“RIT is a leader in ground-breaking sustainability research, teaching, and engagement. The RIT campus works as a living laboratory for sustainable technologies, practices, and philosophies within the built and natural environment.”

Kurt Ingerick, Executive Director (Business Strategy & Sustainability), RIT

Three hints for developing your sustainable community

1. Prioritize your digital transformation strategy

‍Digital transformation impacts sustainability by helping to eliminate waste from paper, power, and so much more.‍

2. Align with the right partners

‍The technology you use contributes to the global environmental footprint. If you are partnering with companies that are on the road to net zero, then you’re already becoming more sustainable.‍

3. Understand the local and international standards

‍The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards enable any organization to understand and report their impacts on the economy, environment and people in a comparable and credible way. Get to know the system and standards to contribute to sustainable development.

‍A smart idea for residents

Getting residents on board can be a great first step in moving a business towards a more efficient future. For example, smart meters can be used to digitally measure electricity usage, and provide consumption insights and practical energy saving tips to residents. This transparency creates a clear link between energy-saving behavior and environmental impact, and provides residents the information to make positive changes to reduce their individual levels of energy consumption.