LEED PLATINUM CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE

A diverse group of undergraduate civil engineering students were tasked with the design of a three-story residential building with GREEN components that would reduce energy cost and carbon emissions. The team designed the structural components, carried out a seismic analysis, and integrated GREEN components to the building using the LEED guidelines. A cost analysis was performed to determine the time of which it will take to see a return of investment from the addition of the GREEN components. The team consisted of a group of senior civil engineering students with diverse backgrounds and abilities who worked collaboratively on the architectural, structural, and environmental aspects of this research project. This group represented Asian-American, LatinX, and international student community. The participating seniors gained an understanding of GREEN buildings and LEED certification and also showed the benefits of incorporating LEED items through detailed cost analysis.