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New EPA Facility Flashes Green, Wins Gold

Release Date: 07/26/2006
Contact Information: (Media only) Dale Kemery, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected] (Other inquiries) Cathy Berlow, (202) 564-3739 / [email protected]

(Washington, D.C. - July 26, 2006) More than 1,600 EPA employees are moving into two "green" buildings chock full of state-of-the-science technologies that reflect the agency's core mission: to protect human health and the environment. Putting action where its philosophy is during the planning stages, EPA insisted on numerous innovations — large and small — that distinguish the Arlington, Va., buildings as among the greenest of the green.

Already the effort is paying off. The buildings have received the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a national standard for developing high-performance, low-impact buildings. It is based on a system that grants points for various green features in a building.

"At EPA, we don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "For over 35 years, EPA has been greening our nation's landscape. By committing to renewable energy and water efficiency, the agency is meeting President Bush's call to green our nation's building practices."

The 650,000 square-foot facility features two connecting towers with ENERGY STAR-rated rooftops, which reduce cooling demand for the building. Employees enjoy natural daylight in their work spaces, while ENERGY STAR lighting fixtures and appliances, automatic daylight dimming, and occupancy sensors help reduce energy usage. To offset 100 percent of the emissions associated with the facility's annual electricity consumption, EPA procured 4.2 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy certificates that support wind power generated in Nebraska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.

EPA's commitment to saving water is evident in the restrooms, which feature high efficiency faucets, and dual-flush toilets and urinals. Regional and drought-resistant landscaping eliminates the need for irrigation systems, and onsite sand filters treat stormwater runoff to reduce contamination of the nearby Potomac River. Between the two towers, a small "green" roof also helps minimize stormwater runoff, while also providing a pleasant outdoor space. Recycled-content furniture is placed on the roof and throughout the facility.

Comprised of office, retail, and public space on 2.9 acres, the new facility was developed by Crescent Resources, LLC, in partnership with EPA and the U.S. General Services Administration. EPA will lease more than 400,000 square feet of the facility for 10 years to house elements of its Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response and the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. In addition to LEED Gold certification, facility managers also anticipate receiving the ENERGY STAR building label within the next year.

More information: epa.gov/greeningepa/facilities/hq-nova.htm