While the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system is one of the most popular green building certification systems in the world, it isn’t the only one. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates buildings on their energy efficiency. Buildings that use 40 percent less energy and have a 35 percent reduction in carbon emissions may be eligible for the Energy Star rating. Recently, the Verizon operations center in Basking Ridge, N.J., received this prestigious recognition.

 

In order to reduce the energy and carbon emissions of the building, Verizon “uses temperature sensors and energy-management systems to monitor heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; controls lighting schedules; tracks maintenance and service requirements; uses air handlers with variable frequency drives for energy-efficient heating and cooling; and has installed energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) and fluorescent T-5 lights.” Source: Verizon

 

In addition to earning the Energy Star designation for the building, Verizon also earned the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award when it improved the native habitat surrounding the facility.

 

This year has been a good year for Verizon’s environmental efforts. The company was named as one of the world’s greenest companies in the Natural Health Green Choice Awards and was recognized by the Environmental Defense Fund in that organization’s Innovations Review 2009.