Drury's O'Reilly center earns LEED-Gold certification

The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded Drury University's O’Reilly Family Event Center with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Gold certification.

During verification by the Green Building Certification Institute, the center received 42 LEED certification points, exceeding the 39 point minimum to achieve LEED-Gold standards, according to a Drury news release. Points were awarded for sustainable features such as low-flow water fixtures, a dedicated recycling area, and a solar-reflective roof and pavement materials.

“We have the Pitt family to thank for this gold LEED designation,” Drury President Todd Parnell said in the release. “Their $600,000 donation allowed us to pursue a gold LEED certification, which aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainability and sets a good example for our students.”

During the Drury men's basketball game Feb. 18, the university will honor the Pitts. The court is named after William A. Pitt, father of Doug, Brad and Julie.

The roughly $12 million, 3,100-seat event center opened in October 2010, with work performed by general contractor Killian Construction Co.; architect H Design Group LLC; and engineers Anderson Engineering Inc., civil; Mettemeyer Engineering LLC, structural; and Colvin Jones Davis LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

“Given the extraordinary importance of climate protection and the central role of the building industry in that effort, Drury University demonstrates its leadership through its LEED certification of the O’Reilly Family Event Center," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council, in the release.[[In-content Ad]]