Haberman Gacioch Center for Visual & Performing Arts, Daemen College, has been awarded a gold LEEDS certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council for its design.

This is the second time in the last three years that the Daemen College buildings have received this certificate.

The LEED certification is credited based on sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality incorporated in one's building.

And obtaining this certificate determines one's building is truly 'eco-friendly.'

The center re-opened last year after undergoing a $5.4 million renovation.

It is equipped with geothermal heating, green technology and maximum utilization of existing space without expanding the college's footprint.

The building features interactive performance/lecture space with 50 seating capacity; high-resolution projection and state-of-the-art SMART Board technology.

In addition, the center showcases movable walls that transform one large studio into three smaller ones for studio instructions and theatrical space.

The second floor of the building is set to contain a large, open production space; computer labs and faculty offices.

Daemen College's first gold LEEDS certification was conferred on the Research & Information Commons, 2010, after a $15 million renovation.

The 45,000 square foot building was built with design features to conserve energy and water and maximize the use of recycled materials and minimize the use of toxic materials.

"Our hope is that the Research & Information Commons will inspire others to create buildings and neighborhoods that are even more efficient, environmentally friendly, and instructive than Daemen's - buildings that will help redefine the relationship between each of us and the environment. This is a building of which our community can be proud," Daemen President Dr. Martin J. Anisman, said.