Wellness + Helfaer Recreation earns LEED certification in recognition of environmental impact

The Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System certification, further strengthening Marquette's commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and holistic well-being.

The certification builds on the facility's Fitwel 1 Star Rating, which it received last year for advancing health and wellness through building design and operations.

Administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED Green Building Rating System is the most widely used framework for evaluating the environmental performance of buildings worldwide. LEED-certified facilities are recognized for strategies that promote energy efficiency, water conservation, responsible materials use and improved indoor environmental quality, supporting healthier and more sustainable spaces for occupants.

The Fitwel certification, developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the General Services Administration and operated by the Center for Active Design, focuses on how building design and policies support physical and mental health. A Fitwel 1 Star Rating recognizes evidence-based strategies that encourage physical activity, improve indoor environments and promote overall well-being for those who use the space.