University of Illinois building gets LEED platinum

FromThe Champaign News-Gazette: A state-of-the-art business building at the University of Illinois in Champaign has been awarded platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the four-story, the $60 million Business Instructional Facility, which opened last year, has won raves for its sustainable features, such as solar panels that provide 8 percent of its power and a green roof with plantings that provide insulation and reduce water runoff. The building also has a super-efficient heating and cooling system, sensors that determine temperatures and light level, and triple-pane windows.