GOLDEN, Colo. - The new Science and Technology Facility (S&TF) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the first federal facility to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings, and LEED Platinum is the highest certification level. The 71,000-square-foot S&TF, completed in June 2006, consumes 41 percent less energy than comparable buildings through the use of daylighting, evaporative cooling, and efficient motors, ventilation fans, windows, and lighting. The building's architect and construction contractor also emphasized the use of recycled and locally sourced materials for the building and took care to avoid disturbing the natural terrain while constructing the facility.

“I commend NREL for answering the president’s call to be more energy efficient and I encourage more facilities to follow this example. In addition to being a world leader in renewable energy research and development, NREL has now raised the bar in terms of increasing energy efficiency on-site as well,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman.

Publication date: 05/07/2007