Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester recently welcomed Bazzani Associates of Grand Rapids as the newest member of the Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) Program. Bazzani Associates is the first design and architectural building firm to become a member of the C3 Program, and helps to transform Michigan's building trade by constructing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified green buildings in Michigan.

LEED is an internationally recognized certification system, through the U.S. Green Building Council, that measures how well a building or community performs in the areas of energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions' reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of use of building and construction resources. The C3 Program is a voluntary environmental program that recognizes environmental stewardship at Michigan companies.

"The Department of Environmental Quality welcomes Bazzani Associates as a partner in protecting our state's natural resources," said Director Chester. "This is a company that truly leads by example and demonstrates first hand our belief that having a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand-in-hand."

Bazzani Associates is a leader in sustainable development and building practices, having been the first architectural and building firm to complete a LEED double-gold certified project in the world.

"Our team is thrilled to be recognized by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as the only construction company in Michigan to be honored with the Clean Corporate Citizen designation," said Guy Bazzani, President of Bazzani Associates. "We believe this award further authenticates Bazzani's dedication to having the triple bottom line guide our work. We take pride in paving the 'green path' for our industry, so we are hopeful others follow suit."

C3 designation is made to candidates that adopt facility-specific environmental management systems, have active and on-going pollution prevention initiatives at their facility, and have a consistent record of compliance with state and federal environmental requirements. The C3 Program is open to companies regulated under any of Michigan's environmental statutes, and designations are reviewed and renewed on a regular basis.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"