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The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System encourages the adoption of sustainable green building and development practices. LEED® Certification distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards. It is an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

LEED® awards points to a building's performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:

• Sustainable site development
• Water efficiency
• Energy efficiency
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality

An additional category 'Innovation in Design' is also recognized by LEED®. This category addresses sustainable building expertise, exemplary performance, and design (or operational) measures not covered under the above five environmental categories.

Certification of a building is based on the total point score achieved, following an independent review. There are four possible levels of certification (certified, silver, gold and platinum).

Stormwater Management

The parking lot is comprised of permeable paving stones, which absorb some water and reduces the runoff entering community storm drains. Asphalt surfaces around the campus slope so that runoff drains to a bioswale. The bioswale, planted with rushes and grasses, is designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. This improves the quality of water that enters the surrounding environment.

Reducing the Heat Island Effect

Concrete, asphalt and conventional roofing surfaces absorb heat from sunlight because of their low solar reflectivity, increasing the local ambient temperature in developed areas. This creates a heat island effect and leads to energy waste due to greater cooling needs. The Cowichan Campus has been designed to exhibit a low heat island effect by using materials and landscaping techniques that reduce solar heat absorption. The parking lot is comprised of permeable paving stones, which have less mass and are a lighter colour than traditional asphalt or concrete. A large canopy of trees that provide shade for the site's exterior and a vegetated roof also reduce heat absorption. Furthermore, vegetation provides the additional benefit of converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Active Transportation

Shower and change room facilities, lockers and secure bicycle parking are provided to encourage and support zero-emission transportation. This includes cycling, walking, jogging and in-line skating.

Alternative Transportation

A public transit stop near the campus, designated carpool parking stalls, and charging stations for electric vehicles support and encourage low-emission, alternative transportation.