BOULDER, Colo. — Two World Cup host stadiums have partnered with Boulder-based green energy firm Renewable Choice Energy in an attempt to achieve LEED green building certification. The stadiums, Arena Pernambuco and Estiod Beire Rio will purchase a combined total of 10,145,850 kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits (RECs) in order to offset energy use associated with their operations, earning the stadiums EAc6 Green Power Credit.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Two major sports venues have achieved significant milestones in becoming green facilities.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Green Parking Council (GPC), an affiliate of the International Parking Institute (IPI), launched on June 2 a certification program that is the parking industry equivalent of LEED certification.
Called the Green Garage Certification Program, the program is an incentive to build parking garages that meet high standards in sustainable design, technology, operations and management.
WAYNE, Mich. — A major honor was bestowed upon schools in Michigan’s Wayne County. Michigan Green Schools honored 131 Wayne County Schools for its efforts in green-sanctioned activities throughout the school year. Some of the activities included recycling, Earth Day commitments and implementing a school energy-saving program, to name a few.
Students and staff accumulate the points throughout the year in order to be qualified as a Michigan Green School. Each activity earns the school one point, and a total of 10 points earns the school its green school honor.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The nonprofit Green Building Initiative (GBI) launched on June 9 a new certification program that focuses on the sustainable design and construction of interior spaces in commercial and institutional buildings.
The new Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors, allows both building owners and individual lessees of commercial spaces to pursue the certification and to focus on designing or improving their interior space to Green Globes standards without having to certify the entire building.
For years, schools have had to do their own belt-tightening while trying to minimize the impact of cuts on students and educators. Lowering operating expenses by reducing energy costs has proven extremely impactful, and there are numerous avenues through which to achieve this.
WASHINGTON — A new study released by the District of Columbia Department of the Environment details how the district can best craft policy and create incentives to build zero energy, zero water and Living Buildings.
Entitled “Net Zero and Living Building Financial Study: A Cost Comparison Report for Buildings in the District of Columbia,” the research was conducted by the New Buildings Institute, International Living Future Institute and Sweden-headquartered Skanska.
WASHINGTON — The White House Council on Environmental Quality and Department of Education recently recognized schools and school districts throughout the nation for their commitment to sustainability. The 2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees included 48 schools across the nation who were honored for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways, according to the Department of Education.
BEREA, Ky. — Berea College’s Deep Green Residence Hall has achieved the highest LEED rating and LEED score of any residence hall in the world. With 90 points, the Deep Green Residence Hall achieved LEED Platinum certification and a new sustainable distinction.
AUSTIN, Texas — Satellite Healthcare, a not-for-profit provider of kidney dialysis and related services, has received an Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) 4-Star Rating for its new location in Austin. The Satellite center, located in the Market District of the Mueller Airport Redevelopment, was presented the prestigious 4-Star Rating for excellence in sustainable building practices in design and construction.
