Newswise — LAS VEGAS – June 22, 2026 – The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV has earned LEED Platinum Certification for operations and maintenance of its Medical Education Building, a distinction that places the school among a select group of facilities recognized for exceptional operational and sustainability standards.
The U.S. Green Building Council officially presented the LEED Platinum medallion to the school’s facilities team on Monday, June 22nd.
Platinum is the highest tier of the world’s most widely used green building rating system. Achieving it signifies that a building represents the peak of sustainability leadership, meeting the strictest criteria for energy efficiency and environmental health.
The Medical Education Building is the only academic facility in Nevada to receive the highest-level certification.
“The LEED Platinum certification for Operations and Maintenance reflects our medical school’s commitment to creating a healthy, high-performing environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” says Dr. Alison Netski, interim dean and vice president of health affairs for UNLV. “We are among the nation’s newest medical schools, and UNLV is proudly demonstrating that world-class medical education and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.”
The five-story, 135,000-square-foot building was completed in 2022 and is a centerpiece of the Las Vegas Medical District. It features standardized patient rooms, a simulation suite, virtual anatomy classrooms, and a prosection lab. The building also houses an open forum for large gatherings, a learning resource center operated by UNLV Libraries, a wellness center, outdoor terrace, and a walking trail for students.
Designed by TSK Architects, the building was made possible through the generosity of the Nevada Health & Bioscience Corporation (NHBC), a nonprofit corporation committed to enhancing academic medicine in Southern Nevada.
“From the outset of this project, we sought to create a place where Nevada could attract and educate future doctors and improve the overall healthcare of Southern Nevada,” said James Waddoups, CEO of the Nevada Health & Bioscience Corporation. “Our commitment continues beyond construction through the ongoing support for building performance, sustainability, and long-term stewardship. This recognition affirms that the Kirk Kerkorian Medical Education Building is fulfilling its mission while serving as a lasting asset for the community. We’re proud to honor the Kerkorian name and partner with UNLV on a facility that reflects the innovation and environmental responsibility expected of a 21st-century medical school.”
The Medical Education Building initially received a LEED Silver Certification for its design and construction. It has now achieved the highest LEED Platinum Certification for operations and maintenance, meaning UNLV’s medical students learn in one of the most sustainably operated academic buildings in the university system.
To achieve this status, the school worked closely with GRN Vision, a Las Vegas based firm specializing in sustainability consulting, McKinstry, a national construction and engineering firm that designs, builds and operates high-performing facilities, and the U.S. Green Building Council.
For more information: Paul Joncich – Media Relations – (916) 207-8498
About the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
Located primarily within the Las Vegas Medical District, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV graduated its first class of students in May of 2021. Fully accredited, it is one of the most diverse medical schools in the nation; our graduates have been accepted to prestigious residency and fellowship programs throughout the country. With the affiliated group practice, UNLV Health, and its partner hospitals, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is transforming healthcare in Southern Nevada.