Developers designed the building to conserve power by using energy-efficient lighting, natural lighting, efficient boilers, connection to the campus's chilled water loop, and a sophisticated building automation system.

All water fixtures are highly efficient, including waterless urinals and low-flow, self-closing faucets.

Offices on the side of the ocean are cooled by ventilation system of air from operable windows.

[1] The United States Green Building Council gave Bren Hall one of its first Platinum ratings under LEED 1.0's New Construction category.

[2][3] On October 30, 2010, a two-ton piece of the ceiling collapsed into the building lobby.