Michigan State University says its W.K. Kellogg Biological Station dairy operation has won a certification for environmental excellence.

The university says the facility that opened last summer has received a silver certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, known as LEED.

The facility is in Kalamazoo County's Ross Township, about 15 miles northeast of Kalamazoo.

The 94-cow operation has automated milking equipment that lets cows step into the system when they feel a need to release milk.

It has an automatic sidewall curtain system that raises or lowers to regulate temperature and reduce energy use. Michigan State says the dairy is 38 percent more energy efficient than building codes require.