As Aquinas College continues to lead in green initiatives, the Grace Hauenstein Library achieved a major milestone in obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The library earned its certification through green features implemented throughout the project. Some of the major innovations include:

- Over 82% of building materials were diverted from local landfills and to recycling centers.
- Nearly all (93%) of the building's regularly occupied spaces feature exterior views.
- Water use is 32% less than a standard facility of similar size.
- All adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet, padding, and particleboard used in the Grace Hauenstein Library are low VOC.
- A majority (58%) of the building materials were shipped from facilities within 500 miles.

LEED certification is currently the nation's green building standard. Grand Rapids is home to the most LEED certified buildings per capita in the U.S. The Grace Hauenstein Library is the first of many green buildings planned for Aquinas' campus, including the second floor of the Academic Building, the new apartments, and the Fieldhouse project.

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