Penn State’s renowned Steidle Building has secured LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. This award recognizes Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Buildings must be superior in a number of different categories, including water efficiency, sustainability, and indoor environmental quality to earn a LEED certification.

“This certification is a concrete demonstration of the sustainability principles embodied in both the university’s strategic plan and our college’s strategic plan,” Lee Kump, dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, said in a press release.

Beginning in August 2014, Penn State renovated the building over the course of two years. Located across the street from West Residence Halls, Steidle now features energy-efficient systems, structural improvements, and use of recycled materials. The renovations accomplished these sustainability goals, while managing to keep the beautiful exterior intact.

The building was originally known as the Mineral Industries Building when it was constructed in 1929. Later, however, it was renamed in 1978 to honor Edward Steidle — a former dean of the School of Mineral Industries.