Holden Hall has earned U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. It is the 24th Virginia Tech facility to become LEED certified and the ninth to earn gold certification. 

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED provides a framework for highly efficient facilities that offer environmental and social benefits. In order to obtain LEED Gold certification, Holden Hall earned high marks across several categories, which include water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and regional priority. 

Holden Hall joins O’Shaughnessy Hall, Goodwin Hall, Moss Arts Center, and other Virginia Tech facilities in meeting the criteria for LEED Gold certification. The latest certification awarded to Holden Hall emphasizes Virginia Tech’s commitment to advancing sustainability efforts in support of the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment.

History of Holden Hall

Originally completed in 1940, Holden Hall is an academic building that houses offices, classrooms, and laboratories for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering. In summer 2022, extensive renovations were completed on Holden Hall to help strengthen academic, research, and transdisciplinary learning offerings for the College of Engineering. 

Renovations included the replacement of the north wing with a new four-story wing and replacement of the east wing with a new three-story wing. The building’s three-story south wing also underwent full renovations.

The sun shines a golden light on the exterior of Holden Hall
The exterior of Holden Hall in March 2023. Photo by Meghan Marsh for Virginia Tech.
A wide view of the exterior of Holden Hall. The new four story wing is visible and accompanies a three story wing. A cadet walks by on the path outside the building.
The exterior of Holden Hall in March 2023. Photo by Meghan Marsh for Virginia Tech.

Sustainable design and construction features

As part of the university’s commitment to sustainability, all new construction projects on campus are developed to achieve LEED Silver certification or higher. Doing so requires careful planning throughout the design and construction process. 

Sustainable features incorporated throughout Holden Hall include an energy efficient heating and air conditioning system, low-flow plumbing, and systems to improve indoor air quality. The environmentally responsible construction process also contributed to the building’s LEED Gold certification through the use of recycled materials and the diversion of construction waste from landfills. 

“Holden Hall not only incorporated sustainable design and construction practices, but it benefited from previous work completed by the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities,” said Paul Ely, associate director of capital construction. “When the Chiller Plant Phase II project was completed in 2022, the efficiency of Virginia Tech’s chilled water infrastructure was improved. At the end of the Holden Hall project, we collaborated with our Building Automation Systems team to implement additional energy savings strategies. The combination of energy efficient cooling and the control strategies helped Holden Hall achieve LEED Gold certification while reducing energy usage.”

Holden Hall construction from Old Turner Street. A large truck delivers a slab of concrete outside of the construction site.
Holden Hall construction seen from Old Turner Street in June 2021. Photo by Meghan Marsh for Virginia Tech.
Construction on Holden Hall can be seen through the bright green trees.
Holden Hall construction seen from the Drillfield in June 2021. Photo by Meghan Marsh for Virginia Tech.

Beyond construction

Holden Hall’s renovations have been completed since 2022, and the building is now open for all members of the Virginia Tech community. However, the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities’ commitment to sustainability doesn’t end when construction stops. Environmentally responsible housekeeping practices and the building’s location supported Holden Hall’s LEED Gold certification and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sustainability. 

“Facilities Operations' Custodial Services focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices whenever possible,” said Greg Canaday, director of facilities operations housekeeping. “We understand the impact that our industry can have on the environment and do our best to minimize our footprint as much as possible.” 

A few examples of the Custodial Services team’s commitment to sustainability include

  • Green Seal cleaning products that meet industry standards for being environmentally friendly
  • EcoLogo-certified trash bags formulated from recycled resin and high-quality post-consumer resin
  • Restroom paper products that utilize 100 percent recycled and a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled content
  • Contracted laundering services that reduce water and energy usage
  • Refillable hand soap dispensers that drastically reduce both plastic and product waste
  • Signage to remind others to be mindful of energy consumption

Holden Hall’s location on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus is another example of how the facility continues to show a commitment to the environment. Visitors to Holden Hall will notice a close proximity to multiple bus routes, including the Smart Way Express bus stop and multiple Blacksburg Transit stations located near the building. These bus stops encourage the use of alternative transportation and contributed to the building’s LEED Gold certification.

The planning, design, construction, and ongoing care and maintenance of Holden Hall support the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities’ commitment to sustainability. Through the creation of facilities that are environmentally responsible, the division provides spaces that are both sustainable and desirable places for Hokies to live, work, and learn.

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