Soka buildings receive LEED Gold label

Soka University’s new Performing Arts Center and adjacent academic building have been given Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, according to a news release from the university.

“Soka University is proud to accept this LEED Gold Certification,” Soka President Dr. Daniel Habuki said in a statement. “One of our university principles is to ‘foster leaders for the creative coexistence of nature and humanity.’ So we asked our architects and contractor to do their best to make these buildings as environmentally sensitive as possible.”

The two buildings opened in 2011. Construction began on the $73-million project in December 2008 with McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. as general contractor.

The buildings’ exteriors feature “smooth plaster walls, travertine stone bands, aluminum curtain walls, clear glass glazing and clay tile and green roofs that provide insulation and help absorb rain water,” according to the news release.

— Kelly Parker

Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN