Our Community College District achieved another milestone as a green building pioneer.

College of San Mateo’s new Health and Wellness Center qualified for LEED Gold certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is universally recognized by environmentalists as the standard of excellence for sustainable construction practices.

The facility houses our nursing, dental assisting and allied health career training programs. It scored high marks for water and energy efficiency, use of non-toxic and recycled materials, indoor environmental quality and innovative design.

Our College District has won national and statewide recognition for green building, including the Sustainable San Mateo County Award.

Environment California named the San Mateo County Community College District as one of twelve state leaders in reducing global warming emissions and cutting energy costs.

Their publication “Greening the Bottom Line” highlights our energy efficiency program and our co-generation plants that have reduced gas and electric consumption by 56%, saving taxpayers over one million dollars in utility bills and eliminating 3,200 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

San Mateo County voters approved the bonds that are making it possible to upgrade academic facilities on our three college campuses.

Our College Board’s goals for our bond-funded projects go beyond the retrofitting and construction of modern classrooms, labs and libraries for our students. Our vision includes adopting the highest environmentally sustainable building practices, and employing local construction workers at living wages and good benefits.

LEED Gold certification is the latest evidence of of the environmental model our College District is providing the Peninsula.