The recently renovated and expanded Music Building of the School of Arts and Sciences has become the first LEED Gold building on the Penn campus. Originally designed to meet the requirements of LEED Silver at the beginning of design, the project exceeded these targets, achieving multiple goals for sustainable design, construction and operation.

Key factors behind the Gold certification included close monitoring of construction activities, the selection of green materials and products, and the University's commitment to carry on sustainable practices after the completion of construction.

The Music Building, designed by Ann Beha, Architects, has also been recognized with a 2010 Preservation Award for Sensitive and Compatible Design of an Addition to a Public/Institutional Building from Preservation Pennsylvania; a 2010 Honor Award Citation for Design from the Boston Society of Architects; and a 2010 Preservation Achievement Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

The LEED certification framework is a system of internationally recognized "green" building standards. The project, according to the architects, goes beyond energy standards with efficient lighting and controls and mechanical and plumbing systems. Other sustainable features include passive storm water management techniques; reduced site water use with planting material selection and "smart" controls that adjust irrigation based on rainfall levels; recycling or salvaging 95 percent of construction waste; use of recycled and regionally produced construction materials such as steel and concrete; interior finishes and Greenguard labeled furnishings made with sustainable and recycled materials; and ongoing use of "green" housekeeping methods and cleaning products.