PUTNEY — The Vermont Green Building Network (VGBN) has recognized The Putney School's net-zero energy, LEED Platinum Field House as the 2012 Vermont's Greenest Building.
The distinction goes to the building in Vermont with the best annual energy performance. To qualify for consideration, buildings must consume 50 kilo-BTUs per square foot (kbtu/sf/yr) per year, or less. That standard is roughly 30 percent more efficient than the average for buildings in the northeast.
The Field House, which is super-insulated and solar powered, measures 10 kbtu/sf/yr.
“Perhaps the bad news is that, after three years, the Field House is still Vermont's Greenest Building,” said Don Cuerdon, director of communications for The Putney School.
“But the good news is that VGBN is recognizing efforts to make existing and new buildings more efficient. We invite anyone who wants to see how we built ours to schedule a visit and learn how this sort of building is sustainable, both environmentally and economically.”
VGBN was founded in 2002 by a group of individuals interested in advancing green building practices in Vermont, received 501(c)3 designation in early 2005, and became the Vermont Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in the fall of 2005.
USGBC Chapters offer opportunities for individuals to become involved on a local level, to help educate, collaborate, and network in their communities.
VGBN maintains links to the national organization through the Upper Northeast Regional Council - a partnership of USGBC chapters from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York Upstate.
This network of green building leaders offers opportunities to share best practices and resources. For more information, visit http://vgbn.org.