This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Monica Mehta.

Lafayette Hall earned an accolade for modern green design last week, the same sustainability rating held by South and West halls.

Lafayette Hall is GW’s newest residence hall to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for its sustainable design.

It is the University’s first renovation project to earn the rating.

“When you maintain the shell of the building, it basically makes it harder to earn something like LEED Gold because you are working within an older framework. The fact that they got LEED Gold even with preserving the exterior I think is even more of an accomplishment,“ Sophie Waskow, GW’s sustainability project facilitator, said.

The exterior of Lafayette was preserved as part of the Historic Preservation Plan, which aims to preserve the architectural history of the District.

Lauren Campbell, a sophomore eco-rep and member of house staff for Lafayette, believes the new certification will inspire students to be more resourceful.

“Knowing that you live in a more ecologically responsible building is good encouragement to be more responsible yourself,” she said.

In addition to water-efficient fixtures and low-volatile organic compound paint and carpeting, Lafayette boasts an energy-efficient “white” roof that reflects sunlight instead of trapping it to create a “heat-island effect.”

The University has targets for new buildings and renovations to earn LEED certifications of at least silver level. Upcoming projects GW hopes will receive LEED certification include the Smith Center, Ames Hall and the Science and Engineering Complex.