Water Efficiency Workshop Focuses on Lancaster County Examples

LITITZ, Pa., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Berks Lancaster Green Building Association (BLGBA) hosted a capacity crowd at a one-day workshop on water efficiency and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications for buildings and sites on May 13, 2010 at the Warwick Township Municipal Building in Lititz.

The day-long seminar featured a variety of guest presenters who shared their knowledge and expertise on cutting edge stormwater management techniques, rainwater harvesting, and the benefits of green roofs, featuring the Lancaster County Roof Greening Project. Linford Good, Executive Director of Landis Homes, explained the many benefits to both future residents and the environment through one of the first LEED certified retirement communities in Pennsylvania. The project showcases multiple approaches to stormwater management including rain gardens, native planting and restoration of a stream and floodplain to create an exciting living environment in Manheim Township.    

The workshop also included a walking tour of innovative stormwater management improvements on the Warwick municipal campus.

BLGBA sponsored the event in conjunction with LandStudies, the Lancaster County Planning Commission, RGS Associates, Warwick Township, Landis Homes Retirement Community, Penn State Harrisburg, BR Kreider & Sons, Aqua Cura and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Central PA Chapter.

"The BLGBA is very excited to bring well respected speakers from the national green building council while highlighting local examples," said Kelly Gutshall, President, LandStudies, Inc., an event sponsor and BLGBA member. "This was a first of its kind workshop bringing together building and site professionals to learn how to apply LEED certification and water efficiency. The discussions focused on innovative approaches that layer benefits that are a win-win for both the community and the environment. It is through the leadership of forward thinkers like Mr. Good, the planners at RGS associates, the Lancaster County Planning Commission and Warwick Township that will move these ideas into the mainstream."

LEED certification is an accreditation acknowledging that a construction project or building was built utilizing environmentally friendly building practices during construction or remodeling. The BLGBA aims to increase awareness of these alternative approaches to ensure that built structures will be environmentally friendly and ensure sustainability for future generations.

For more information, contact Kelly Gutshall at 717-627-4440 or visit the web site at www.blgba.org.

SOURCE LandStudies