Photo by Andrew Hara (via HCC)

(BIVN) – The Hawai‘i Community College – Pālamanui campus in Kona has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest rating possible in the sustainable building program, college officials report.

“Hawai‘i CC – Pālamanui is committed to being a community leader in West Hawai‘i in the areas of science, culture and conservation,” said Director of Hawai‘i CC – Pālamanui Dr. Marty Fletcher in a media release. “By designing a campus to achieve the highest possible rating in the LEED sustainable building program we are demonstrating our commitment to those principles.”

University of Hawai‘i President David Lassner said, “Congratulations and thanks to our entire team for certifying another LEED Platinum building at UH. The University of Hawaiʻi stands firmly committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and achieving our sustainability goals across our operations, education, scholarship, cultural connections and community engagement.”

The Pālamanui campus earned the LEED Platinum rating by incorporating numerous sustainable design elements in the facility, the first phase of which was completed in August 2015. The 24,000 square feet of learning space comprised of classrooms, culinary arts kitchens, and science labs includes on-site photovoltaics for electricity, efficient use of water – including a “living machine” natural wastewater recycling system, certified sustainable wood, and low-emitting paints and adhesives.

The campus, designed by Honolulu-based architecture firm Urban Works, won a Renaissance Building & Remodeling Grand Award for new commercial construction from the Building Industry Association of Hawai‘i in 2016.

College officials note this is the second Hawai‘i CC building to earn a LEED rating. Hale Aloha on the Manono campus in Hilo earned a LEED Gold rating.