LEED Construction program makes its way to Alaska; points are awarded for meeting standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor-air quality, use of renewable materials, and other criteria.

• Author: Maynard, Barbara
• Position: BUILDING ALASKA

There is nothing eye-catching about the building that houses the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer. Its plain white exterior and blue metal roof provide no clues that this is an Alaska architectural trendsetter.

Nevertheless, the center broke new ground in 2003 by becoming the first LEED-certified building in the state. LEED-which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design--is a set of voluntary standards created to encourage the development of better buildings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings in this country account for more than one-third of energy use, almost two-thirds of electricity use, and almost one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, most of us spend about 90 percent of our lives indoors, so the quality of air we breathe in our homes, schools and workplaces has become a growing concern.

To address these and other environmental issues associated with development, a national building industry coalition called the U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED program. To be LEED certified, a construction project must meet a set of standards that measure how well it meets the ideals of sustainable design. Points are awarded for meeting standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, use of renewable materials and other criteria. With a total of 69 points possible, 26 points earn basic certification. Extra-green buildings can earn certification at the higher levels of silver (33 points), gold (39 points) or platinum (52 points).

Since its inception in 2000, the program has certified nearly 400 buildings. As of November 2005, the Tsunami Warning Center and the Denali National Park Entrance visitor's center are the only LEED-certified buildings in Alaska, but several more are under construction or design with the intention of becoming certified.

THE TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER

To qualify for LEED certification, the Tsunami Warning Center incorporated a variety of strategies. A computerized mechanical system efficiently controls the heating, cooling and ventilation of the building. Sunlight illuminates rooms, reducing electricity use and creating a pleasant working environment. The building also was commissioned, which involved hiring an engineering consultant as an extra set of eyes to oversee the construction.

Indoor-air quality was protected by careful selection of materials. "We monitored the type of caulk used, the sealants used, the carpet...