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| MDEQ District Office is a "Green" State Office Building |
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It's official - the Southeast Michigan District Office in Warren, Michigan has been certified as LEED Silver! This is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified State office building in Michigan.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) opened its new Southeast Michigan District Office on March 4, 2005. The grand opening was held on Earth Day, April 22, 2005. At the grand opening, DEQ Director Steven E. Chester welcomed representatives of the Governor and area legislative offices; owner / developer Murray Wikol of Twin Oaks Network Inc.; site designers and contractors Colliers International and the Cunningham-Limp group, and others to the event. The open house was attended by area industries, environmental groups, and general public and was a big success.
DEQ Director Steven E. Chester stated: "We are leading by example in demonstrating environmentally sound business practices. The DEQ is proud to be the first state office in Michigan to have a LEED certified state office building." LEED certification is granted to buildings that strive in environmental protection and energy conservation. During the construction of the Warren office, the DEQ ensured that an emphasis was placed on creating a sustainable, energy efficient building. Efforts by the DEQ and the developer, Murray Wikol, resulted in a building that is environmental friendly in terms of site selection, building material, and energy use.
The building, which was built on the old Warren Tank brownfield site, was designed to reduce overall potable water usage by 20 percent, and energy use by 35 percent. This means a cost savings for the State during operation today, in tight budget times, but also into the future as energy costs rise in addition to an overall reduction in pollution. The building was also designed to use minimal toxic materials, making it safer and healthier for employees and the public alike.
The DEQ is currently planning a new office in Bay City and in the Upper Penninsula and both will be designed to obtain LEED silver status or greater. During Earth Day 2005, the same day as Warren's grand opening, the Governor issued the Energy Efficiency Directive No. 2005-4. This ensures there will be many more green state office buildings in Michigan.
More details are found in the Warren Green Features handout. A second version is available in a folded booklet format.
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