The New Academic Center achieved a LEED Platinum rating, the first for Cornell's core campus. While the obligation to meet the University's green building criteria was a given, the design was largely influenced by historic preservation and an interest in maintaining views of an historic quadrangle and valuable campus green space. These drivers led to a comprehensive design process in alignment with the University's long term goals for overall campus redevelopment. The first phase initiative, a below-grade classroom addition, provides new space for Law School programs in an exceptionally energy efficient building with concurrent environmental benefits, including preservation of open space and enhanced storm-water management. In addition, as a thoughtful addition to a landmark building, the project emphasized the use of both existing and local building materials.