Ums Clinical Research Building Gains Green Certification

By Eric Kalis
Continuing the green-building movement that is gaining momentum in Miami-Dade County, University of Miami President Donna Shalala announced last week that the university’s new Clinical Research Institute received green certification.

The 350,000-square-foot research institute was constructed on the university’s Jackson Memorial Medical Campus using environmentally sound principles, the university said. The building is the first in South Florida to be certified green from top to bottom, school officials say.

One of the original proponents of green-building, Ms. Shalala also unveiled plans to construct three more green facilities — the Biomedical Research Institute, the University Hospital and an auxiliary building to the hospital, all on the Jackson campus. Green-building standards will also be applied to the university’s transportation department, school officials say.

The university’s green-building efforts are an example of a growing trend for property owners to pay more to design sustainable buildings and cut future energy expenses. One commercial project that received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is the $110 million county children’s courthouse, which is due to break ground in 2008. The 11-story building, designed by Tampa-based Duncan C.S. Broyd, is to open in 2010 at 112 NW Third St.

County Commissioner Katy Sorenson sponsored two measures to promote the movement. One gives tax reimbursements to solar-equipment companies that move to the county, while the second expedites permitting for green-building projects.

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