University of Denver Designs Green Law School

The University of Denver has contracted Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott in association with H & L Architects of Denver to design the new College of Law building, the nation's first certified "green" law school. The 190,000-sf, $50-million facility, located on the main campus at University Park, will meet the exacting standards of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Sustainable design elements for the facility include 40% lower energy usage than comparable new buildings, a groundwater recapture-recycle system for landscaping; public transportation, bicycle and electric car refueling capabilities; and ultra-low-emitting wood products, paints and carpeting. The Law School will include a 120-seat lecture hall, Law Library, Technology Center for Legal Research, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, technologically-advanced moot court rooms, and underground parking.