KWF committs to
LEED® Certification
The Kenai Watershed Forum is pleased to announce our board of directors recently has committed to incorporate LEED® standard requirements into each phase of the building renovation. As a first step toward LEED Green Building Certification, the Kenai Watershed Forum has registered this project with the U.S. Green Building Council.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. This system is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of high performance green buildings. An organization’s participation in the voluntary and technically rigorous LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation and environmental stewardship.
LEED-certified buildings are designed to:
- Lower operating costs and increase asset value
- Reduce waste sent to landfills
- Conserve energy and water
- Be healthier and safer for occupants
- Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
- Demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility
We are hoping this building serves as an educational opportunity for others renovating or building on the Kenai Peninsula. Sound building practices are easy and available in our area. There are only seven LEED Certified buildings in Alaska and there are currently none on the Kenai Peninsula. We are hoping to be the first!
Working through the LEED certification process requires a LEED Accredited Professional be involved in the project from start to finish. We are pleased to be working with Denise Newbould from Aware Consulting as our LEED AP. Denise is 100% committed to this project and is donating her time and services.
To learn more about LEED visit www.usgbc.org.