Sacramento State received $74,331 from SMUD for the energy efficiency of the new residence hall, American River Courtyard.

SMUD awarded the check to President Alexander Gonzalez today. Sac State received the check through the Savings by Design, a program that offers services and incentives to architects and building owners who make energy efficiency a top priority.

“This shows that you can build a building that is functional and appealing without sacrificing efficiency,” Gonzalez said. “Our university is working to be the leading green resource in the community.”

Gonzalez said the new residence hall is the first building on campus certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED. The U.S. Green Building Council created LEED to rate the energy efficiency of new buildings.

Howard Posner, member of SMUD’s board of directors, said the American River Courtyard saves 35,000 kilowatts per year and reduces carbon emissions. This is equivalent to taking 30 passenger cars off the road.

“American River Courtyard exceeds state energy standards by 22 percent,” Posner said.

The new residence hall, which can hold up to 606 residents, has energy star appliances, low water flow sinks, and uses solar panels to power to hot water tank, according to the Housing and Residential Life Office.

Gonzalez said the American River Courtyard has helped the campus accomplish its Destination 2010 goals, which was launched in 2004.

It creates a more welcoming campus, a more dynamic environment and developed community support through the partnership with SMUD, which are all goals of Destination 2010, he said.

Gonzalez said the money will be used to make other residence halls on campus more energy efficient in the future.