RENO — The University of Nevada, Reno announced Wednesday it has received Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for the Marguerite Wattis Petersen Athletic Academic Center. The 8,300-square-foot center is the first LEED accredited building constructed on the university campus.

LEED is a green building rating system established as the national standard for design, construction and operation of high performance “green” buildings. LEED gives building owners the tools necessary for measurable impact on their buildings’ performance.

The $6.6 million facility features seven tutorial rooms for private and group study, a 38-workstation computer lab and a 2,000-square foot study center plus offices for instructors and staff. Its exterior design also contributes to improved handicapped accessibility in and around the athletic complex. The facility was designed by WorthGroup Architects and constructed by The PENTA Building Group.

The center is one of just three LEED certified projects in the city of Reno, joining the Patagonia Distribution Center and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facility. The university has a second LEED registered project at the 4-H Camp in Stateline.