LEED Gold certification was scheduled to coincide with Dallas Hall's one hundred year anniversary.
Dallas Hall achieved LEED EB: O+M Gold LEED under LEED EB: O+M Version 3 with 63 points.
Sustainability features include:
- Multiple bus lines located within a quarter mile walking distance provides optimal access to the City bus network and promotes alternative transportation.
- An ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit to pinpoint energy saving strategies and cost reductions as well as long term capital improvements while providing greater occupant comfort levels.
- Installation of a water meter to measure water performance and consumption patterns. The water meter will assist in the identification of opportunities for additional water savings.
- Reflective pavement to reduce the heat island, minimize negative impacts on microclimates, reduce heat gain on the building, and improve human comfort.
- Native and adaptive planting species well-suited for the local climate requiring minimal irrigation, fertilization, and maintenance.
- All main lobbies have walk off mats to help reduce outdoor contaminants from being introduced into the building. This will assist indoor air quality.
- Sustainable purchasing resulting in 87% sustainable purchases related to electronics and 100% of all furniture purchases.
- All buildings on the SMU campus are non-smoking. Designated smoking areas at least 25’ from buildings are provided throughout the campus.
- An Integrated Pest Management Program, recycling of landscape waste, and minimization of fertilizer use.
- Installation of MERV 13 HVAC heavy filtration media to capture a wide variety of particles, including lint, dirt, carpet fibers, dust, dust mites, mold bacteria, pollen, and animal dander.
- 100% energy usage from renewable energy sources purchased with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).
- Voluntary submission reporting of emissions to a third-party to aid in the collection of data to develop benchmarks and establish goals for reducing emissions from energy use.
- Water usage reduction of 33% with installation of water efficient toilets and low flow faucets.
- A high performance green cleaning policy to help reduce exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological and particulate contaminants.
Dallas Hall is a 57,687 gross square foot facility utilized for by Dedman College as both academic and office space. All freshman pass through Dallas Hall as they begin their college career at SMU. Dallas Hall is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Dallas Hall turns one hundred years old in 2015. Dallas Hall is located at 3225 University Boulevard on the SMU Campus in Dallas, Texas.
LEED Platinum Certification for existing buildings - 2025
The iconic Dallas Hall has once again demonstrated that historic preservation and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand. The flagship building, which holds the distinction of being the first structure on SMU's campus, continues to set benchmarks for sustainable practices in historic buildings.
Dallas Hall made history in 2015 when it achieved LEED for Existing Buildings Gold Certification, coinciding with its centennial anniversary. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as it made Dallas Hall the first building on the National Register of Historic Places to earn LEED Certification.
The building's sustainability journey didn't stop there. In 2021, Dallas Hall achieved another LEED for Existing Buildings Gold Certification, further cementing SMU's commitment to environmental responsibility while honoring the building's rich heritage. To maintain the building’s status, information is submitted to the Unites States Green Building Council every three years.
For the first time in SMU’s history, Dallas Hall broke another record and is the only building on campus to achieve LEED for Existing Buildings Platinum Certification. The ongoing initiatives at Dallas Hall focus on advancing operational efficiency, enhancing occupant experience, and meeting contemporary environmental standards—all while respecting the building's historical significance.
Top Highlights
Dallas Hall, the flagship building of SMU in Dallas, Texas, holds historical
significance as the first structure on campus. It underwent extensive
renovations to meet contemporary standards without compromising its
position in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Dallas Hall was the first historic building on a Texas university campus
and the second century-old building in the US to earn LEED Certification.
• The project was recertified with LEED-EB:OM v3 Gold in 2021,
showcasing SMU's commitment to sustainability and honoring its centurylong
legacy.
• Dallas Hall serves as a remarkable example of preserving history,
embracing sustainability, and fostering environmental responsibility in
higher education institutions.