Shinseki Applauds Top Rating by Independent Group

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office in Boise, Idaho, was recently recognized by an independent group for reducing its environmental impact. The U.S. Green Building Council recently awarded its "gold" rating for the construction design of the 25,000 square-foot facility.

"We continue to take steps to assess and reduce our environmental impact," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "Ensuring the sustainability of our facilities across the country helps us accomplish our primary mission -- serving Veterans."

Three other VA facilities have been cited by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for their programs. The Reno Regional Office in Nevada received a LEED "silver" rating. The Fort Harrison Regional Office in Montana and the Oakland Mental Health Clinic in California each received a LEED-certified rating.

LEED is a leading, independent rating system based on environmental assessments of buildings. It is used by the U.S. Green Building Council to certify sustainability of a facility. The LEED rating criteria includes energy savings, water efficiency, carbon emissions reduction, improved indoor air quality, stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impact.

LEED and Green Globes are the only two "green" building rating systems developed by organizations accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Under LEED, a building can receive one of four ratings: platinum, gold, silver and certified. To obtain its gold rating, the Boise Regional Office had to score 60-79 points out of 100.

Additionally, VA has 12 medical centers that have been certified as sustainable by the Green Globes rating system. "Sustainability" refers to development that meets current needs without compromising the environment of future generations.

The Boise Regional Office administers monetary benefits to Veterans in Idaho.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

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