Recent expansion of the Anteater Recreation Center utilized renewable resources and reduced waste to qualify for a LEED Gold NC award.

IRVINE — UC Irvine's Anteater Recreation Center expansion has earned LEED NC Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Gold certification is the second-highest rating possible, and "NC" signifies that the project met standards for new construction.

Expansion of the state-of-the-art sports and fitness complex was completed in September 2008, increasing the facility's size from 89,000 square feet to 115,000 square feet, including 10,000 square feet for weight training, two additional activity rooms, a demonstration kitchen and a wellness center with massage, exercise testing and Pilates reformers.

"Both functionally and energy-efficient, this new space seamlessly blends with the original building. This is a great addition to student life and a wonderful way to mark the Anteater Recreation Center's 10-year anniversary in January 2010," said Jill Schindele, director of campus recreation.

The project won LEED Gold certification for a number of green design and construction features, including:

• Outperforming California's Energy Code (Title 24) by 25 percent;
• Obtaining more than 70 percent of the center's electricity from renewable sources;
• Using 43 percent less water (at least 96,000 gallons annually) than a conventional facility; and
• Diverting 75 percent of construction waste (more than 200 tons) from landfills.

"I am delighted with this accomplishment and how well our efforts merge with UCI students' recent Green Initiative for sustainable projects that reduce the campus's carbon footprint," said Manuel Gómez, vice chancellor for student affairs.

This is the fifth new construction venture at UC Irvine to receive LEED Gold certification. Previously recognized were the Palo Verde II student apartments, the Anteater Instruction & Research Building, the Student Center and Donald Bren Hall.

"We are so pleased that our artfully and sustainably designed recreation center expansion has earned LEED Gold certification," said Wendell Brase, vice chancellor for administrative & business services. "Our success in achieving this rating belongs to the many members of our community who gave their time, expertise and passion to this project."

Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine, is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Led by Chancellor Michael Drake since 2005, UC Irvine is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with more than 27,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 1,100 faculty and 9,200 staff. The top employer in dynamic Orange County, UC Irvine contributes an annual economic impact of $4.2 billion. For more news, visit www.today.uci.edu.