MNN - Mother Nature Network

The theme for this week’s LEED roundup is firsts.  Tennessee and Alabama now have LEED certified renovations in their state and the Philippines has its first LEED certified project.

 

Caterpillar Financial Center – Tennessee
The State of Tennessee now has a LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) certified building – the Caterpillar Financial Center in Nashville.  Not only is this the state’s first LEED-EB certified building, it is also the first Caterpillar building to receive this certification.  The building earned Gold certification.

 

A few of the highlights of the project include an on-site Sustainability Committee, a new recycling and composting program, and a 49% solid waste reduction.

 

Lakeshore Foundation – Alabama
Alabama also has a state-first LEED certification, the Lakeshore Foundation Housing Facility in Homewood, Alabama.  The building becomes the first renovated project in Alabama to earn LEED certification. 

 

“The 54-bed housing facility opened in June 2008 and is used by injured military personnel and their families participating in Lima Foxtrot programs, U.S. Olympic and Paralympics athletes, and youth program participants.” Source: Lakeshore Foundation

 

Texas Instruments – Philippines
The Philippines joins the prestigious list of countries that are home to a LEED certified building.  The Texas Instruments facility in Baguio City recently achieved LEED Silver certification.

 

The building “is oriented with respect to the sun path to minimize unwanted heat gain and maximize natural daylighting. The building is well insulated with a reflective roof to further reduce heat gain. The efficiency measures resulted in a 24 percent reduction in energy use. Extensive water reuse and recycling resulted in a 70 percent reduction in water consumption. More than 85 percent of the employees at the site ride in local or TI provided mass transportation to the facility.” Source: PR Newswire

 

As the world begins to understand the importance of green buildings, it is likely that we will see many more firsts in the coming months.