Architecture is meant to last generations and if a building's envelope is strong its insides can be upgraded for modern use while saving the owners a ton in energy costs. We found the 11 oldest buildings in the U.S. to achieve LEED certification, counting down to the oldest.
11. Dallas Hall, Southern Methodist University, Dallas
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Year Built: 1912
LEED Status: Gold
Year Certified: 2015
Improvements: Upgraded electrical metering and lighting, modern low-flow plumbing and faucets, improved recycling programs, a switch to sustainable electronics and furniture purchases
Savings: 33% reduced indoor water usage, 38% energy use reduction
10. West 135th Street Apartments, New York
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Year Built: 1910
LEED Status: Certified
Year Certified: 2012
Improvements: Efficiencies to reduce energy and electrical usage, and improve air quality
Savings: 25% utility savings
9. One North Dearborn, Chicago
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Year Built: 1909
LEED Status: Gold
Year Certified: 2017
Improvements: High-efficiency chillers and boilers, a new building supply fan
Savings: 40% energy reduction
8. Sullivan Center, Chicago
Year Built: 1903
LEED Status: Gold
Year Certified: 2009
Improvements: Insulating glass, modernized plumbing, lighting and HVAC
Savings: An Energy Star rating of 92
7. Colorado State Capitol, Denver
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Year Built: 1894
LEED Status: Certified
Year Certified: 2008
Improvements: Alternative transportation improvements, water-efficient plumbing, Energy Star certification
6. Mills Building, San Francisco
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Year Built: 1892
LEED Status: Gold
Year Certified: 2012
Improvements: Updated plumbing to reduce water consumption, green cleaning policies, a comprehensive indoor air quality program, low-energy LED lighting and lighting automation features.
5. The Rookery Building, Chicago
Year Built: 1886
LEED Status: Gold
Year Certified: 2014
Improvements: Water reduction, modernized HVAC and controls, new energy-efficient lighting while preserving the building's character.
Savings: 24% energy savings in three years
4. 20 North Michigan, Chicago
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Year Built: 1882
LEED Status: Platinum
Year Certified: 2015
Improvements: High-efficiency chillers and boilers, a new building supply fan
Savings: 40% energy reduction
3. Westinghouse Air Brake Factory (Pittsburgh Opera), Pittsburgh
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Year Built: 1869
LEED Status: Silver
Year Certified: 2011
Improvements: Efficient water features, aluminum roof, covered parking lot, lighting sensors and a complete refitting of the building's insulation.
Savings: 25% reduction in water usage, 23% reduction in energy costs
2. New York State Executive Mansion, Albany
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Year Built: 1856
LEED Status: Gold
Year Certified: 2009
Improvements: Transition to clean, renewable energy sources, sustainable landscaping practices and controls to reduce electrical usage.
1. U.S. Treasury Building, Washington, DC
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Year Built: 1842
LEED Status: Gold
Year Certified: 2011
Improvements: Increased natural day lighting, upgraded HVAC systems, enhanced utility metering, sustainable cleaning and landscape programs
Savings: 43% reduction in potable water, 53% reduction in steam use; 7% decrease in electrical use.
CORRECTION, March 27, 12:20 p.m. ET: A previous version of this story did not include the Mills Building in San Francisco, which was built in 1892 and achieved LEED Gold certification in 2012. The story has been updated.
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