Denver Noted for LEED Building Development
The U.S. Green Building Council has certified nearly 30 projects since 2010 under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has noted that nearly 30 projects in Denver have achieved LEED green building certification since 2010 and two of these developments achieved LEED’s Platinum rating.
“Colorado’s culture of sustainability and conservation are part of its DNA; individual cities like Denver clearly understand the importance of green building as a part of that culture,” said Deb Kleinman, executive director of USGBC Colorado Chapter. “From the largest commercial buildings to schools and universities to individual homes, Denver is embracing LEED and its comprehensive approach and process for green building.”
Approximately 230 LEED certified and registered projects are located in Denver. Newly certified projects in 2010 include the Wells Fargo Center; Legacy Plaza, home of Gates’ Corporation’s world headquarters; the Colorado Convention Center; and Denver Public Schools’ Evie Garrett Dennis E-12 Campus. Xcel Energy’s new headquarters, 1800 Larimer, and the Group14 (formerly Enermodal Reilly) office both achieved LEED Platinum.
In the first month of 2011, three buildings in the Denver Metro Area were certified, including the Auraria Science Building, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment building and Colorado Center Tower Two.
“The LEED green building program sets the benchmark for what is possible with high-performing buildings,” says Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED, USGBC. “Denver has been a pioneer in the green building efforts, setting examples and showcasing new innovation with its many LEED projects.”
In 2007, then Mayor John W. Hickenlooper enacted Executive Order 123, requiring new municipal building construction over 5,000 square feet to earn LEED Silver. “Seeing former Mayor Hickenlooper now in the governor’s chair is a testament to his leadership,” added Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “He continues to be a supporter and leader in green building initiatives.”
USGBC’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings. Over 40,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 7.9 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 117 countries. In addition, nearly 10,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 45,000 more homes registered.
Source: U.S. Green Building Council