Scaife Hall is Pitt’s 20th LEED certified building since 2005

The U.S. Green Building Council honored the Alan Magee Scaife Hall West Wing addition and renovation with LEED Gold certification, the second-highest rank in the green building rating system. The designation marks Pitt’s 20th LEED certified building since 2005.

Home to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Scaife Hall’s transformation added a seven-story wing with an accessible entrance on Lothrop Street, contemporary learning spaces, a renovated Falk Library of the Health Sciences and a café on Terrace Street.

“Alan Magee Scaife Hall is the seventh LEED-certified space for Pitt Health Sciences,” said Jaime Cerilli, associate vice chancellor for strategic space planning and management for Pitt Health Sciences. “Training future health care leaders in buildings that physically embody sustainable practices sends a powerful message about the connection between healthy environments and human and planetary health.”

The building features LED lighting, superior insulation, specialized air handling units for heat recovery and a ventilation system that adjusts based on occupancy. Notably, 100% of the building’s electricity comes from renewable sources, including a 134-kilowatt solar array expected to generate 4% of the building’s electricity.

“Pitt’s built environment is an enduring demonstration of our sustainability efforts,” said Gina Bleck, vice chancellor of planning, design and construction. “Every new Pitt building or major renovation pursues LEED Gold or better. Pairing healthy building systems with the School of Medicine’s human-centered education and research was a unique opportunity.”

The project diverted 74.5% of construction waste from the landfill and salvaged theater seats, wood flooring and aluminum panels for reuse. A new stormwater feature with native plants lines Lothrop Street.

“LEED Gold buildings like this one demonstrate the care Pitt undertakes to create spaces that support our academic mission while prioritizing human and ecological health, responsible resource use and stewardship of existing buildings,” said Aurora Sharrard, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability.

Learn more about the renovation on the Pitt Sustainability website.