CHINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 29, 2004–With local elected officials and members of California's environmental community looking on, Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) board members and employees were presented a plaque commemorating the headquarters facility's receipt of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED(TM)) Platinum rating. IEUA is the first public agency in the United States to receive a Platinum rating.
"Our administrative headquarters is a wonderful example of how we can build a cost-effective, environmentally sound public building that will contribute to the quality of life in the Chino Basin," stated IEUA Board President John L. Anderson. "We're honored that the U.S. Green Building Council has awarded us a LEED Platinum certification as an acknowledgement of our commitment to responsible building practices."
In summer 2003, IEUA completed construction on its new headquarters facility. The two buildings were designed and constructed to meet the highest standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council, the nation's foremost coalition of leaders representing the building industry. The headquarters buildings, with 66,000 square feet of office space, is the largest "green building" of its kind in the United States.
Designed with energy and environmental efficiency in mind, its solar roof panels (photovoltaics) produce 60,000 watts of energy, generating enough electrical power for 33,000 square feet of office space. The facility's use of recycled water and the installation of high-efficiency plumbing reduces water consumption by 73% compared to traditional building structures. Planting more than 10,000 native and drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and bushes throughout the site further reduces water consumption. The extensive use of recycled materials is also seen throughout the headquarters complex's interior and exterior.
IEUA expects to save more than $800,000 per year in energy costs alone, and by the year 2006, the headquarters will be 100% energy self-sufficient through a combination of energy conservation, power generated by solar panels located on the facility's roof and by utilizing methane gas generated by the anaerobic digestion process at IEUA's wastewater treatment plant located adjacent to the headquarters.
IEUA also saved in the construction costs for the two tilt-up buildings, paying less than $154 per square foot, compared to the industry standard of $180 to $294 per square foot. The Agency's payback on investing in a LEED(TM)-designed building will be realized in four years — far exceeding the originally envisioned 12-year payback.
"IEUA's administrative headquarters proves that smart building design can achieve environmental benefits, provide a healthy work environment and save significant public dollars," stated IEUA Board President Anderson.
Grant funding for portions of this project was made available by the U.S. Department of Energy, California Integrated Waste Management Board, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is a municipal water district located in western San Bernardino County, California. The Agency's mission is to supply imported drinking water and recycled water, to collect and treat wastewater, and provide other utility-related services to the 700,000 residents living within its service area. IEUA serves the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, Upland and the water customers of Cucamonga County Water District, Monte Vista Water District, Fontana Water Company and San Antonio Water Company. For more information about IEUA's headquarters facility or to arrange a tour, call 909-993-1600 or visit IEUA's Web site at http://www.ieua.org.
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