Another facility at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has met the standards required to receive designation for environmentally responsible design.

UALR’s Nursing Building has received Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold certification, according to David Millay, associate vice chancellor of Facilities Management and Planning.

It recently underwent extensive construction and design remodeling at a total cost of about $7 million and is located in the former Administration Building.

The building showcases a new 22-bed, state-of-the art simulation hospital in a 9,500-square-foot facility in which students deliver patient care in a realistic environment.

It joins several other energy-efficient buildings on campus, including West Hall, the George W. Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology building, and the Student Services Center.

“This is a notable achievement for all parties involved, resting on the cooperation of the entire project team in making this innovative project work,” said Jared Rickman, sustainability consultant with TME Inc., a Little Rock-based full-service engineering firm.

The Department of Nursing is the largest department on campus with more than 500 students in various levels of degree completion, 23 full-time faculty, and five staff members.