October/November 2008
LEED EBOM
C O N T E N T S
Chapter News: USGBC Colorado Chapter Celebrates Five Years
ED Corner: Green Building And The Global Economic Crisis
The Business of Green King Soopers and Xcel Energy Collaborate for Savings
Residential Green: Role for LEED AP's in the LEED for Homes System?
LEED EBOM: Colorado State Capitol First in Nation Certifiied Under LEED EBOM
VISION
Promote responsibility for Colorado's environmental legacy.
MISSION
Advance and promote sustainable planning, design, construction and operation of the built environment through education, improving industry guidelines, policy advocacy, and information and resource sharing.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Hootman, President
RNL Design
Dana Kose, Vice Chair
M.A. Mortenson
Megan Christensen, Secretary
Bovis Lend Lease
Jim Bradburn, Treasurer
RMH Group
Mike Lowell, Advocacy Chair
US GSA
Bobby Molinari, Membership Chair Hyatt Select
Josh Radoff, Director At Large
YRG Consultants
Sue McFaddin, Director At Large Seven Generations
Ted Caulkins , Education Chair
Silvertip Integrated Engineering
Daniele Loffreda, Communications Chair
Plateau Enviro Associates
Conor Merrigan, EGB Chair
C2 Sustainable Development Consultants
Deb Kleinman
Executive Director
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 dgloffreda@msn.com
Colorado State Capitol Earns LEED EBOM Certification
First State Capitol to achieve LEED certification and first LEED EBOM certification in nation
By Patti Mason, Program Coordinator, USGBC Colorado Chapter
 USGBC Colorado Executive Director Deb Kleinman presents a LEED Certification plaque to Governor Bill Ritter |
On Thursday October 16, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced that the state’s Capitol building would be the first in the nation to obtain LEED certification. The Colorado Capitol – built in 1895 – also became the first building of any kind in the United States to be certified under the newly launched LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (LEED-EBOM) rating system.
Deb Kleinman, Executive Director of the USGBC Colorado Chapter, presented Governor Ritter with the official plaque at a ceremony in the West Foyer of the Capitol Building.
The LEED-EBOM rating system helps building owners and operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED-EBOM addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades.
“These designations recognize and independently confirm that a big part of Colorado’s New Energy Economy is about government leading by example,” Governor Ritter said. “Even with historic structures as old as our Capitol, we have become a leader in energy reduction and energy efficiency. Not only does this benefit the environment, but we will save taxpayers $1 million a year on reduced and avoided energy costs.”
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The Colorado State Capitol building received 41 out of 44 points submitted to attain certification. Among the specific upgrades to the building were the installation of lighting improvements, heating and cooling system upgrades and improved energy controls.
“This recognition couldn’t come at a better time for Colorado. It allows the U.S. Green Building Council to showcase the efforts of a state that is committed to the future of a sustainable built environment,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO, and founding Chair of the USGBC.
In addition to the Capitol, three other existing state buildings in the Capitol Complex have previously received LEED certifications: the State Services Building at 1525 Sherman Street; the State Judicial/Heritage Center at 14th and Broadway; and the State Human Services Building at 1575 Sherman Street.
The Governor’s Residence and the Colorado Division of Labor and Employment building are currently under review for LEED certification. The improvements to the Capitol were complicated by the historic designation of the building. “The team that undertook the upgrading of the Capitol has worked for more than four years to painstakingly improve the efficiency of the building while protecting the historic integrity of such a grand structure,” Governor Ritter said. “We are proud of their efforts.”
“This momentous achievement represents the commitment the state of Colorado has made to green its existing building stock,” said Deb Kleinman. “Colorado continues to be a leader nationally and internationally in its commitment to creating a better future for all Coloradoans, and the Colorado Chapter is excited to continue our partnership with the Governor and his administration to transform our built environment.”
Specific improvements made to the state Capitol include:
- Water Conservation Efforts Such as Low Flow Toilets
- Use of Low Energy Light Bulbs & T-8 Light Fixtures
- Improved Energy Controls
- Use of Green Cleaning Products
- Initiation and Maintenance of Recycling Program
- Purchase of Energy Star® Electronics and Equipment
- Use of Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Products and Plans
LEED EBOM Update
Project teams should note the following update from USGBC National regarding LEED EBOM: Beginning September 1, 2008, all projects registering for LEED for Existing Buildings must do so under the new LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance version. Projects that register for LEED for Existing Buildings version 2.0 before September 1 will be given the opportunity to continue their certification under version 2.0 or upgrade to LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M.