September 2010
Project Highlight
C O N T E N T S
Homes: Greening the MLS, By Glen Girard, USGBC CO Communications Chair
Project Highlight: Housing Resources Office Building Achieves LEED Certification- First Existing Building to Achieve Certification in Grand Junction, By Elaine Matthews, Ryan, Sawyer & Associates
REGREEN: Workshop October 28-29, taught by Annette Stelmack and Pete Yost
Membership: Recap of Our 2010 Annual Membership Event, By Barb Josey, USGBC CO Membership Chair
Colorado Building Green is the official newsletter of the U.S. Green Building Council – Colorado Chapter, and is published bi-monthly. If you are interested in submiting a story, ideas or other information for publication, please contact the editor at sarah@usgbccolorado.org
Housing Resources Office Building Achieves LEED Certification
First Existing Building to Achieve Certification in Grand Junction
By Elaine Matthews, Ryan, Sawyer & Associates
Housing Resources of Western Colorado is pleased to announce that it has been awarded LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council for its office building, Plaza del Sol. LEED is the nation’s top program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Housing Resources achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money on operations and contribute to a healthier environment for workers and the larger community.
Housing Resources’ architect and LEED consultant on this project, Lancer Livermont of LLa architecture, Ltd., said, “After researching the U.S. Green Building Council database, it appears that the Plaza del Sol office building is the first existing building to achieve LEED® Certification in Grand Junction.”
Examples of the specific LEED criteria adopted in Housing Resources’ Plaza del Sol office building include:
- promotion of car pooling, bicycling, and alternative fuel vehicles
- establishment of recycling centers
- implementation of a waste management plan
- exterior light pollution reduction
- installation of water-reducing interior plumbing fixtures and landscaping
- use of non-toxic cleaning products and materials
- installation of low mercury, energy efficient interior lighting
- heat recovery ventilation for improved indoor air quality
About Housing Resources
The mission of Housing Resources, a 501(c)(3) private non-profit corporation, is to provide affordable housing and to promote the wise and sustainable use of resources. Housing Resources offers pre-purchase and post-purchase educational services, weatherization services, opportunities for community revitalization, and the provision of quality, safe, affordable housing for those with low and moderate income. Learn more about Housing Resources at www.housingresourceswc.org.