Defense department report: Green design saves taxpayers money

The Department of Defense has released the findings of an independent report on energy efficiency and sustainability standards used by the Pentagon for military construction. The report strongly affirmed the value of LEED-certified high performing buildings to America’s military and U.S. taxpayers.

The study, conducted by the National Research Council, considered only energy efficiency. It recommended that the DoD continue to require new buildings or major renovations to be designed to achieve at least LEED Silver or the equivalent.

Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law at the U.S. Green Building Council, says, “LEED has played a significant role in reducing energy and water bills in public sector buildings across the country, saving taxpayers money and contributing to the nation’s security. This important new independent study from the National Research Council concludes that the LEED green building certification program should continue to be used in Defense Department buildings to advance energy efficiency in construction and reduce operational costs. Using LEED at Pentagon installations is a win-win proposition for the country and for the military personnel these buildings serve."

(http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=18282&utm_source=Press+Releases&utm_campaign=5fd1d3641e-Direct_PR_Military_Facilities2_15_2013&utm_medium=email)

U.S. Army Fort Knox: Using the Earth for space heating and cooling. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) facilitates the Federal Government’s implementation of sound, cost-effective energy management and investment practices to enhance the nation’s energy security and environmental stewardship.

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