The Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center of the University of Houston recently became LEED-certified, marking a major accomplishment for the University and Facilities/Construction Management.
What LEED is and why it matters
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is the world's most frequently-used rating system that evaluates buildings for sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impacts.
The LEED system developed after the formation of the U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC, in 1993. A group of architects and engineers came together in search of a way to encourage sustainable construction in the industry, in support of quality of life for humans and nature. Between 2001 and 2025, LEED debuted five versions of the system, with the latest version including new considerations for decarbonization and ecological restoration.
The football center achieved Silver-level certification, which was the University’s intended goal.
The Football Operation Center has eight-plus design features to improve building users’ health. These features include a plunge pool, hydro-therapy space, red light therapy rooms, rest and recovery room, sports medicine space(s), an X-ray room, and more. The project team also developed an all-LED design to ensure the lighting would not include any mercury.
A multi-award winner
The Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center was built in 2025. At nearly 120,000 square feet, it houses several spaces including sports performance centers, locker room facility, and office space for coaching and support staff. The Center also provides additional luxury seating for TDECU Stadium.
The Center has also received multiple awards in addition to the green certification, including the Houston Business Journal Best Building – Education, Merit award winner for Interior Lighting Design – LDA Magazine, and a Facility of Merit Award from Athletic Business. The awards highlight UH’s dedication to high-caliber building design in service of its student athletes.
The Football Operations Center is the most recent UH facility to become LEED-certified. The first building to become accredited was the Cougar Woods Dining Commons in 2013. Other certified campus buildings include the John M. O’Quinn Law Building and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
“A long-term dedication to the student experience”
Brad Schmidt, a project manager with Facilities/Construction Management, shared what the green accreditation has meant to his team and beyond.
"LEED certification is a point of pride for everyone involved because it validates
the intentional decisions made throughout the design and construction process to create
a high-performing, certified facility,” said Schmidt.
“For the University, it shows a long-term dedication to both the campus environment
and the student experience, showcasing a commitment to operational efficiency and
sustainability."