Auburn University's Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center receives prestigious LEED Gold certification

In an achievement that speaks to its ongoing commitment to a sustainable campus, Auburn University recently was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Gold certification for the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

“It is extremely gratifying for this project to be recognized with such a prestigious award,” said Simon Yendle, Auburn University architect. “We are committed to doing our part to create a sustainable campus. All of our capital projects [more than $1 million] aspire to be designed to reach the Silver level, but due to the project team's dedication to exceptional sustainable design and operational efforts, the Gogue Center has been awarded Gold.”

LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.

“Through the diligent and meticulous study and design efforts of the entire project team, the Gogue Performing Arts Center has become a sustainable cornerstone for buildings on Auburn University’s campus for years to come,” said David Bess, Facilities Management campus architect and Gogue Center project design lead.

The certification process administered by USGBC strictly grades buildings on a comprehensive range of sustainability standards, from the volume of noise pollution generated by air conditioning systems, to the use of design components to reduce the impact of sunlight entering the building.

“The LEED Gold certification of the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center is an outstanding achievement,” said Mike Kensler, director of Auburn’s Office of Sustainability. “It is a testament to Auburn’s commitment to sustainability as a core institutional value that will pay dividends in building performance, guest experience and human health for the life of the building.”

Key sustainable features for the Gogue Center include, but are not limited to:

• Reduced construction waste and pollution

• Reinforced use of public transportation, bicycles and fuel-efficient vehicles

• Improved storm water management for Auburn University and the City of Auburn through reduced rainwater surface runoff

• Reduced water and energy usage achieved with the use of high-efficiency fixtures and equipment and innovative building design

• Use of local and/or recyclable materials

“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from USGBC,” said Christopher Heacox, Gogue Center executive director. “The Gogue Center seeks to be an example for Auburn University and our community in everything we do—culturally, economically and environmentally. Our sincerest thanks to the dedicated project team whose hard work and collaboration have provided us with the opportunity to demonstrate Auburn’s commitment to the arts and sustainability.”

The Gogue Center is an 85,000-square-foot facility with high-quality performance venues designed to host a variety of musical, theatrical and dance performances. The center includes the 1,202-seat multipurpose Woltosz Theatre; the City of Auburn Lawn and Porch (5,000 capacity); box office; a two-level lobby, catering kitchen, wardrobe and dressing rooms, and conference and administrative office spaces.