Press Release - Capitol Receives Energy Efficiency Designation
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCT. 16, 2008
CONTACTS:
Doug Platt, 303.866.6208, doug.platt@state.co.us
Julie Postlethwait, 303.866.6095, julie.postlethwait@state.co.us
COLORADO'S CENTURY-OLD STATE CAPITOL RECEIVES NATION'S FIRST ENERGY EFFICIENCY DESIGNATION
Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that the Colorado state Capitol has become the first Capitol in the nation to obtain a prestigious certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings for energy efficiency upgrades made over the past four years.
The Capitol -- built in 1895 -- also has become the first building in the country to receive the U.S. Green Building Council's new LEED certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance.
"These designations recognize and independently confirm that a big part of Colorado's New Energy Economy is about government leading by example," Gov. 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."
The LEED certification system provides an outline for buildings to use less energy, water and natural resources, and improve the indoor environment. "This recognition couldn't come at a better time for Colorado. It allows us 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 U.S. Green Building Council.
The LEED-EB certification is awarded to those who can certify an existing building has been retrofitted in a manner that demonstrates certain efficiency standards for its ongoing operations and maintenance.
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.
In addition to the Capitol, three other state buildings in the Capitol Complex previously received LEED for Existing Buildings certifications:
- State Services Building at 1525 Sherman St.
- State Judicial/Heritage Center at 14th and Broadway
- State Human Services Building at 1575 Sherman St.
The Governor's Residence and the Colorado Division of Labor and Employment building at 251 E. 12th Ave. are also under review for LEED certification.
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," Gov. Ritter said. "We are proud of their efforts."
Building specific improvements that have been made to the Capitol in order to obtain LEED-EB certification include:
- Water conservation efforts such as low flow toilets
- Use of low energy light bulbs and T-8 light fixtures
- Improved energy controls
- Use of green cleaning products
- Initiation and maintenance of a recycling program
- Purchase of Energy Star® electronics and equipment
- Use of environmentally friendly landscaping products and plans