AVONDALE, PA, April 26, 2013 -- On Earth Day, Stroud Water Research Center announced that its Moorhead Environmental Complex has achieved LEED® Platinum, the highest level of certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings.
"We're delighted to have achieved LEED Platinum, the highest honor in LEED certification," said Director, President, and Senior Research Scientist Bernard W. Sweeney, Ph.D. "The Moorhead Environmental Complex was a huge undertaking. It combined creative, cutting-edge architectural and mechanical design with other innovative environmental approaches like 'getting the water right,' which became our guiding principle in pursuit of a new green building for environmental education and public outreach that would model sustainable practices for managing water."
Since 1967, the Center has been pioneering groundbreaking research in the field of freshwater science; that research has yielded valuable insights into how streams and rivers work and how their health can be impaired as well as restored and preserved. As companions to its research, the Center has also developed education and watershed restoration programs to advance knowledge and stewardship of fresh water.
While the Moorhead Environmental Complex houses the Center's departments of education, watershed restoration, development, communications and marketing, facilities, and administration, it also serves as a teaching tool, providing opportunities for educators to discuss the various features such as wetland treatment of wastewater, rainwater capture, geothermal heating and cooling, photovoltaic panels, and landscaping that promotes infiltration.
About Stroud™ Water Research Center
Stroud™ Water Research Center seeks to advance knowledge and stewardship of fresh water through research, education, and global outreach and to help businesses, landowners, policymakers, and individuals make informed decisions that affect water quality and availability around the world. Stroud Water Research Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.stroudcenter.org.
U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 167,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 100,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED rating systems, comprising over 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries.
By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi , who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation.
###
