April 18, 2024

Lubbock, TX – LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED certified buildings help make the world more sustainable. 

Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences has achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. 

LEED Certification is a significant achievement for a theatre building of this kind located in an extreme climate. Three different approaches to creating shade to counter the South Plains Region of Texas’ extreme temperature fluctuations have been meticulously integrated into the building’s façade. A long overhang, angled fibre-reinforced resin fins, and deep-set fritted ribbon windows all act as architectural drapery to cool the building and filter southern light without obstructing the views of the wide surrounding vistas. 

The fins were custom designed and extensive sun studies determined the best angles to maximize shade and view. Each fin is two halves cast around a steel beam completely supported from above to ensure lack of movement during strong winds. The halves show a clean reveal as they rotate in their array from left to right. 

“The Buddy Holly Hall development and design team was a true partnership amongst the best-of-the-best in the industry,” Bass said. “We cannot express enough gratitude for the tremendous thought, consideration and careful execution the team put in to make The Buddy Holly Hall the nationally recognized venue that it is today.” said Mark Bass, LEPAA board chair and founding board member.

Certification is proof that buildings are going above and beyond to ensure the space is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability. The goal of LEED certification is to create better buildings that reduce contribution to global climate change, enhance individual human health, protect and restore water resources, protect and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, promote sustainable and regenerative material cycles, and enhance community quality of life.

Theatre energy demands fluctuate quite drastically due to the coming and going of large audiences, but the design of Buddy Holly Hall performs 15.8% better than the benchmark.

Read more about Buddy Holly Hall’s LEED Certifcation here.