Berkeley, California (Wednesday, October 31, 2007) – A fire station that saves water?

The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification to the City of Berkeley’s Hills Fire Station, making it the first City building to meet the stringent new green building requirements set out by the Council in 2003.

 “Our goal is that all construction is green building,” said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. “By requiring City buildings to meet the stringent LEED standards, we hope to inspire the private sector to do likewise.”

WHO: Council Member Betty Olds, City Manager Phil Kamlarz, Fire Chief Debra Pryor, representatives from StopWaste.org and the City’s project team

WHAT: Celebration of LEED Certification

WHEN: Thursday, November 1, 2007

            11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Hills Fire Station, 3000 Shasta Road, Berkeley

The Green Building Council created LEED standards to help with the design and construction of the world’s greenest, energy efficient, high performing buildings.  The certification verifies environmental performance and protects occupant health. The City’s Green Building Resolution requires that new City buildings be constructed to meet this national green building standard.

The Shasta Hills Fire Station was designed to achieve LEED Certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use, as well as to incorporate a variety of other sustainable strategies.

“Building green is a sound investment,” said City Manager Phil Kamlarz. “The Hills Fire Station is a building that is healthy, resource efficient and cost effective."

Many green design and construction elements are featured in this project, including:

• Landscaping that conserves water and reduces waste;

• Permeable paving reduces stormwater runoff, recharge groundwater aquifers, and allow soil microbes to naturally filter and treat pollutants;
  

• Reduced energy use through the installation of extra insulation, high-performance windows, and high-efficiency lighting, appliances, and mechanical systems;

• Diversion of more than 75% construction waste from the landfill;

The Berkeley Hills Fire Station is a prime example of how green building can provide a healthier environment for workers, reduce waste and improve a neighborhood’s environment.

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