Blanco Hall, one of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s newest residence halls, has earned LEED Silver certification. This recognition reflects the university’s strong commitment to sustainable design and responsible growth across its campuses.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and a globally recognized symbol of excellence in sustainability. LEED-certified buildings are designed and constructed using strategies that improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact and create healthier spaces for the people who live, learn and work inside them.
Located on the university’s Main Campus, Blanco Hall earned the designation by meeting rigorous sustainability benchmarks across multiple performance categories, including energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
“Blanco Hall’s LEED Silver certification underscores UT San Antonio’s commitment to sustainable growth and responsible stewardship as we continue to invest in student-centered spaces,” said Andrea Marks, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer for UT San Antonio. “We are intentional about constructing facilities that support our students, strengthen our community and contribute to a healthier, more resilient San Antonio.”
Interior photos of the first floor of Blanco Hall
Spanning more than 155,000 square feet, Blanco Hall opened this January and welcomed its first residents for the spring semester. The residence hall provides housing for nearly 600 first-year and sophomore students and features a mix of single- and double-occupancy rooms, collaborative study spaces, lounges, multipurpose rooms and a laboratory kitchen designed to support UT San Antonio’s dietetics program.
As part of its sustainability approach, the building incorporates systems and technologies designed to optimize energy performance, manage water use efficiently and promote indoor comfort.
Blanco Hall joins a growing portfolio of sustainable facilities at UT San Antonio, including San Pedro I, which earned LEED Gold certification in 2023. Together, these projects reflect the university’s strategic approach to campus development — one that emphasizes environmental responsibility, operational efficiency and community impact.
