UC Riverside’s newest and largest research facility has received its official LEED Platinum certification, signifying it meets the building industry’s highest energy-efficiency standards.

The Multidisciplinary Research Building, or MRB, opened in January after three-and-a-half years of construction. The first group of researchers moved into the building this summer.

The project is the first on campus to attain a certification of LEED Platinum. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council for energy-efficient buildings, with Platinum the highest of four levels.

The building council completed its assessment of the MRB in July.

“Laboratory buildings are inherently complicated to design and maintain and must take into consideration complex infrastructure systems, stringent code and safety requirements, and the need for long-term flexibility,” Campus Architect Jacqueline Norman said. “All of these demands tend to make them extremely energy intensive so achieving the status of LEED Platinum for MRB is a significant accomplishment for UCR and a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to a responsible and sustainable campus.”

A stone plaque featuring the LEED certification will be installed in the walkway leading to the front entrance of the building, she said.

As part of its sustainability efforts, UC has committed to a minimum LEED Silver rating for all new buildings and major renovations. The four LEED ratings, in ascending order, are certified, silver, gold, and platinum.