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The Árbol de la Vida and Likins residence halls at the University of Arizona (UA) in Arizona, US has bagged LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.

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This is the first residential project in the state to receive the certification. The halls feature spacious student housing, office suites, a conferencing centre, living-learning as well as classrooms. Among its other features include multiple study and gathering spaces, student amenities and courtyards.

The facilities abide by a host of eco-friendly elements. It includes roof-mounted solar panels which meet the water heating needs of the building. The halls also sport overhangs and awnings at strategic positions to offer protection from sunrays. The rooms of the students have been equipped with advanced thermometers which sense room occupancy status, thereby reaping energy cost cuts. There are green outlets which turn off power in vacant rooms. Incorporation of windows optimise natural light penetration while providing direct ventilation.

The buildings have been fitted with low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets which decrease water usage. Presence of passive water harvesting and drought-resistant landscaping further leads to water savings. Some segments of the buildings have been constructed of reclaimed materials which adds to its sustainability. Other green features include diversion of almost 7000 tonnes of construction waste from landfills, and recycling of about 2500 tonnes of construction debris produced on-site. In addition, the facilities comprise web-based software which allows students to access the building's energy usage and evaluate utility data.