LEEding the way in Alaska: more and more, Alaska is seeing 'green' in its building designs.

• Author: Maynard, Barbara

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Two buildings under construction in Alaska couldn't be more different, yet both embrace the same principles of green building. The 14-floor JL Tower will cater to Anchorage's business suit crowd while the new Eielson Visitor Center will greet hikers and tourists at the end of a 70-mile bus ride into Denali National Park. Despite their different locations and purposes, both projects are being built to the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program.

Designed to promote and define sustainable building, LEED--which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design--rewards participants by awarding points for incorporating green practices. Water and energy efficiency, use of local and non-toxic materials, proximity to public transportation, waste reduction and other green features all earn points. The more points a given building earns, the higher its level of LEED certification. The program is gaining popularity in Alaska and across the country as building owners realize the long-term cost savings, public relations potential and environmental benefits of efficient and healthy buildings.

EIELSON VISITOR CENTER

The remote location of the new Eielson Visitor Center challenged designers to think in new ways. For example, tapping into the local utility wasn't an option, so electricity will be generated on-site by solar panels and a micro-hydroelectric system. Energy-efficient design should keep the power demands of the building within the capacity of these two systems. Similarly, re-using wood and other materials from the old visitor center, which is being replaced, reduced the need for hauling materials and waste to and from the site.

The building is being designed with the hope of meeting LEED-Platinum standards, the highest level of certification. Visitors arriving at the August 2008 grand opening, however, might wonder if the emperor has no clothes. As they step off the bus into the parking area, no architectural grandeur will greet them. In fact, no building will be in sight at all.

"The big idea was that the building would somewhat step aside and let nature be the first impression on the site," said James Dougherty, principal and senior vice president with RIM Architects in Anchorage and principal-in-charge for the Eielson Visitor Center replacement project. "So you start the whole visitor impression with a nature-focused idea, instead of a development-focused idea." To accomplish this, the center will be earth sheltered, with one wall providing expansive views of the park and Mount McKinley.

JL TOWER

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