The building earned a LEED Gold certified rating from U.S. Green Building Council. GW has made sustainability a major focus since University President Knapp arrived in 2007, with 11 building projects becoming LEED certified.

The museum building has lighting controls, a high-efficiency roof, and high-efficiency windows and walls. The U.S. Green Building Council considers factors like water use, energy use, air quality and waste management when it decides ratings. The University’s smoke-free campus campaign also contributed to the Gold rating, according to GW Today.

Officials hope to get LEED certifications for several other projects, including the Science and Engineering Hall and District House. In July, the Milken Institute School of Public Health’s New Hampshire Avenue building received a platinum grade, making it the the only building on campus to receive the organization’s highest rating.