Wellington County announced its latest environmental initiative on May 28, during the official opening of the Green Legacy tree nursery.
The county’s Green Legacy Green building standard certification program recognizes the design, construction and overall operation of energy efficient and environmentally friendly structures. There are two levels of certification: Emerald which is the highest, and Green.
The first building to be recognized under the new standards, is the cool storage unit at the tree nursery. The unique structure was built underground and has a green roof to reduce energy consumption, meeting the emerald certification level.
The county worked with the Ventin Group Architects to develop the program. Recipients of the certification must demonstrate a commitment to improving the environment and social responsibility.
“These new Green Legacy Green building standards will provide contractors with the tools they need to build energy efficient and green structures. These standards will provide and immediate and measurable impact on the building’s overall performance,” said Wellington County Warden John Green.
County planning committee chairman Walter Trachsel said “The County of Wellington continues to set an environmental example. Certification plaques will be awarded to contractors who construct buildings which are environmentally responsible.“
Paul Sapounzi, architect for the Ventin Group, said, “There are many reasons to build green. The County of Wellington’s new green building standards will potentially lower operating costs, reduce the amount of waste sent to county landfills, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water and energy.”
For more information on the county’s green building standards, call director of planning and development Gary Cousins at 519-837-2600, extension 2190, or the Ventin Group Architects, at 519-740-0671.
