You are here: American University About Sustainability Buildings & Grounds Cassell Hall Green Building Features

Cassell Hall

LEED Silver certified

Back to top

AU’s First LEED-Certified Residence Hall

Cassell Hall is a beautiful and welcoming residence hall located behind the President's house and is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified. The building was designed by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting and opened in Fall 2013.

Learn more about Cassell Hall LEED features in the case study.

Green Features

Selected
Building
Landscape

  • Uses rooftop solar thermal for heating hot water in the building.

  • Diverted 98% of construction waste from landfill during building construction through recycling and material reuse.

  • Uses low emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpets to promote health and wellness for occupants and reduce exposure to chemicals.

  • Earned innovation in design points for the sustainable green cleaning program, a campus wide policy reducing the use of chemicals in cleaning practices.

  • Covered bicycle storage also includes a bicycle fix-it station for use by the AU community.

  • American University buys 100% green power.

  • Earned points for development density, community connectivity, and access to public transportation, Cassell Hall is a part of the AU and DC community, connecting residents seamlessly and sustainability with the local area.

  • Over 10% (by value) of the material used in Cassell Hall is recycled, including construction material, such as rebar, and hardware.

  • Over 25% (by value) of the material used in Cassell Hall is from the local region, including material in the ceiling and wall structure.

  • Native plant species constituting more than half of the landscaping around Cassell Hall help protect and restore habitat. 

  • Features a ground level green roof which provides occupants with increased open space and reduced heat island effect in addition to contributing to American University's campus beautification. 

  • Earned regional priority points by mitigating storm water runoff, including a cistern to catch rainwater to be used for irrigation.

Cassell Hall uses 46 percent

less water than a standard building through highly efficient water fixtures and low flow toilets.