July 10 , 2007

UPCC Hosts LEED Seminar

 

Marquette, MI:  Businesses, local governments and educational facilities across the country have discovered that a key strategy for achieving a bright and sustainable future lies in building a ‘green’ facility. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of high performance green buildings. 

The Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) recently hosted a LEED seminar at Northern Michigan University. Contractors, building owners and design professionals participated in the seminar instructed by Elle Madsen, CADD Tech/LEED Accredited Professional at Integrated Designs, Inc. of Marquette.  LEED principles include the use of appropriate site selection and building orientation, high energy and water efficiency, healthy living and working environments, conservation of natural resources, diversion of waste from landfills, reduced operational costs over the life of the facility and sustainable long term maintenance practices.

“ In 2005 Governor Granholm issued an Executive Directive that included a requirement that all new buildings for state agencies, universities and community colleges follow LEED practices,” stated Tony Retaskie, UPCC Executive Director. “There are several projects right now in the U.P. that are becoming LEED certified and we are proud to have our members participating in this important initiative.” 

Private businesses are also beginning to see the benefit of building ‘green’ because of a competitive boost they receive-not only through a reduction in energy consumption and operational costs, but also because of the support they garner by being a good neighbor in their community.  A benefit to the bottom line for businesses is also in the initial cost of the building.  When building owners convey their ‘green’ goals to their architects, engineers, construction managers and contractors at the initial planning stage it is possible to keep costs comparable to standard construction.  Additional information on Leed Certification is available through the U.S. Green Building Council at www.usgbc.com.

 

 

 

For more information:
Tony Retaskie
Upper Peninsula Construction Council
(906) 250-0201