Press Release:

For Immediate Release
   Media Contacts:
   Rebecca Ehlers / Tim Wirtz
   Hoffman York
   414-225-9568 / 414-225-9522
   rehlers@hyc.com
   twirtz@hyc.com

LEED Gold Level Certification Awarded to WECC
New headquarters epitomizes high-performance

MADISON, Wis. (November 28, 2007) - The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold level certification for their newly-constructed office facility in Madison, Wis. The building earned this distinction based on high-performance in the areas of sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally-accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high–performance, green buildings. Those applying for LEED certification earn points by implementing green technologies and best practices beginning with site selection and design and continuing all the way through the construction process, materials selection and building maintenance. The WECC building is one of only six new construction projects in the state of Wisconsin to be awarded gold or platinum level certification through the LEED program.

"We used the guidelines and strategies outlined by LEED to build a sustainable, energy efficient, healthy and productive work environment that provides a solid return on investment," said Janet Brandt, executive director of WECC. "We've demonstrated that a high-performance, gold–level building can be constructed within a very affordable budget. That makes the resulting energy savings and productivity increases frosting on the cake."

WECC's 34,500 square foot office building, located in the University Research Park, boasts many energy efficient and renewable energy technologies, which together result in an energy savings of 45 percent versus traditional commercial building construction. A 19kW system of photovoltaic panels generate approximately 14 percent of the buildings electricity, and solar panels collect heat for approximately 46 percent of the building's hot water needs. Innovative plumbing fixtures, including waterless urinals and dual flush toilets, result in a 40 percent reduction in water use.

In addition to utilizing energy efficient technologies to conserve energy and water, the WECC building includes many features designed to enhance the work environment for employees. Natural daylight provides superior light quality and views of the outdoors are available from 100 percent of the individual work areas. Indoor air quality is continuously monitored, and indoor building materials were carefully selected to minimize chemical offgassing. To make it easier for employees to weave physical fitness into their daily regime, an on-site fitness facility, indoor bike racks and a shower/changing area are available.

"We wanted a building that would perform well for the environment, for our employees and for our bottom line," Brandt explained. "The design/build team, commissioning agent and our employees were all involved in the early planning stages. Achieving this level of energy efficiency, sustainability, functionality and comfort was truly a collaborative effort."

Special care was taken to ensure use of environmentally–responsible materials and to minimize the site disturbance of the building. A combination of pervious paving and landscaping pavers allow rainwater to seep into the ground. Native plants on the site were retained to eliminate a negative impact on water quality, and three rain garden bioswales and a canopy roof garden will reduce water run–off and beautify the site. All the wood used in construction was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which encourages environmentally–responsible forestry practices. Even the reception desk was crafted from onsite, storm–damaged trees. In total, about 95 percent of the construction waste was recycled. More information about the building's green features can be viewed by visiting WECC's Green Touchscreen® at wecc.greentouchscreen.com.

To find out how your business can become more energy efficient in a new or existing building, or to learn more about WECC's new, LEED gold level certified office building, call WECC at (800) 969-9322 or visit weccusa.org.

About the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Wis. Established in 1980, WECC is a national leader in designing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that partner with private businesses to deliver value to consumers. It champions innovative energy initiatives that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses and policy makers. For more information about WECC, call 800.969.9322 or visit weccusa.org.

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