The
Green Building Alliance has achieved the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification in western Pennsylvania from the
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED Platinum is the highest rating given by USGBC for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
GBA is the first USGB chapter or affiliate nationally to achieve LEED certification for its offices, and was awarded 75 percent of the total points available under the LEED for Commercial Interiors program.
"It's a wonderful accomplishment, but on a more practical level, it's a great asset for our employees," says Holly Childs, GBA executive director. "It's a healthy, energy-efficient workspace, and most importantly, it gives us a teaching tool to showcase green building in the region."
GBA's 3,850-square-foot office, which was designed and constructed in 2008, is located in the South Side's
River Walk Corporate Centre. Nearly all furnishings are reused, salvaged or refurbished, and new materials include those that are manufactured locally and rapidly renewable. The office also features bike racks as well as an on-site shower to encourage cycling to work.
"We're a nonprofit, so we worked hard to achieve what we did with limited means," says Aurora Sharrard with GBA. "We want to use the office as a demonstration tool for what anyone can do, from green construction to corporate practices such as using environmentally friendly cleaning products, recycling paper and bottles, and responsibly disposing of electronic equipment."
In western Pennsylvania, there are more than 55 LEED-certified projects, and another 130 projects that are registered as pursuing LEED certification.
The LEED plaque presentation will be held 3:30 p.m. Friday at GBA's offices.
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Caralyn GreenSources: Holly Childs, executive director, and Aurora Sharrard, Ph.D., research manager, Green Building Alliance
Image courtesy Green Building Alliance