First Net-Zero-Energy Historic Building

GSA unveils plans for the first net-zero-energy historic building

2/7/11 - In February of 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to stimulate the economy and promote job creation in the current recession. Building projects funded by ARRA are mandated to promote sustainable design and renewable technologies. The Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse received $15 million to preserve this historic structure and introduce innovative systems to pursue LEED Platinum and strive to make this the first building on the National Register of Historic Places to achieve net zero energy. {click on photo to visit GSA site page for more photo's}

02/09/2011 - The General Services Administration unveiled plans this month to turn a nearly 100-year-old building into the country's first net-zero-energy-usage historic building.

The $15 million reconstruction and restoration of the Wayne Aspinall Federal Building and Courthouse, built in 1918 in Grand Junction, Colo., about 250 miles west of Denver, is designed so the building will produce as much energy as it consumes, making it the first on the National Register of Historic Places to do so.

GSA also intends to have the building certified LEED Platinum, the highest level. The LEED program of the U.S. Green Building Council encourages and accelerates global adoption of environmentally sustainable building and development practices.

In May 2010, GSA Administrator Martha Johnson said the agency "has to embrace a zero environmental footprint goal. We should set our sights on eliminating the impact of the federal government on our natural environment." {continued}