A University of Hawaii at Manoa building is the first research laboratory in the state to receive the highest level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification. 

The building for the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education — or C-MORE — features low-flow toilets, automated faucets and waterless urinals. It uses 48% less potable water than a conventional building of similar size.

The university said Wednesday the grounds are landscaped with stream beds and river rocks instead of turf grass. This helps cut demand for irrigated water by 65 percent. 

C-MORE laboratories are focused on the study of ocean microbes. It is one of only 17 National Science Foundation-sponsored Science and Technology Centers in the country.