Kahlert Foundation Complex Earns LEED Gold Certification
College broadens partnership with Howard County's environmental leadership
Howard Community College (HCC) President Daria J. Willis today announced that the Kahlert Foundation Complex has officially earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The 163,000-square-foot facility, which opened in November 2024, is the college’s first building to be certified under the LEEDv4 rating system and has exceeded its original LEED Silver requirement.
“This achievement reflects Howard Community College’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Willis. “We are following the vision set by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in our commitment to environmental protection and investing in our students’ future health and prosperity.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Buildings earn LEED certification by achieving prerequisites and earning points across multiple categories, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
The Gold certification represents significant achievement in sustainable design and construction.
“According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, buildings in the United States account for approximately 29 to 40 percent of total national CO2 emissions. They also consume about 40 percent of the nation’s total energy and 75 percent of its electricity. By prioritizing the use of sustainable materials, electrification, and optimizing the design of its Kahlert Foundation Complex, Howard Community College is stepping up to the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint and energy dependence,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “I applaud Dr. Willis and her team for taking this important step forward in helping Howard County Government achieve its climate action goals for the county. By sharing knowledge and aligning our strategies, we can together advance our efforts to combat climate change and protect our environment for future generations.”
In August 2025, HCC also signed a memorandum of understanding with Howard County and Howard County Public Schools to enhance collaboration on climate and sustainability initiatives, including expanding solar panel programs across campus.
The Kahlert Foundation Complex adds to the growing portfolio of LEED-certified buildings in Howard County, which in 2022 became the first county in the nation to achieve LEED Platinum certification under the USGBC’s current Cities and Communities rating system. Notable LEED Gold buildings in the county include the Charles E. Miller Library, the Waterloo Fire Station, and multiple commercial buildings in the Maple Lawn business community.
The Kahlert Foundation Complex houses both the college’s mathematics program and athletics facilities, including faculty offices, traditional classroom learning spaces, computer labs, a STEM makerspace, and a “math emporium” lab offering on-demand tutoring. The athletics area features new men’s and women’s collegiate training, practice, and game-day facilities, including basketball courts, a fitness center, weight room, and physical therapy space.
The Kahlert Foundation Complex was designed by Ayers Saint Gross and constructed by Gilbane Building Company, and was supported by a historic $2 million gift from philanthropist Greg Kahlert.
“Achieving LEED Gold at the Kahlert Foundation Complex reflects both a deep commitment to environmental responsibility and a shared set of values that has defined Ayers Saint Gross’ partnership with HCC across three campus buildings, said Allison Wilson, Ayers Saint Gross LEED Fellow, Associate Principal and Sustainability Director. “Having worked alongside HCC for many years, we are deeply honored to support the college’s ongoing dedication to sustainability, stewardship, and the well-being of HCC’s campus community.”