A new 24,000sf addition to the Griffiss Institute at the Griffiss Technology Park is nearing comletion and is on track to be the first LEED certified building in the Park. In addition to being the first green buidling in the Park, it also is on track to be the first LEED certified building in all of Oneida County in the "new construction" category.
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification program administered by the U.S. Green Building Council insuring that "green building" techniques or "sustainable design" techniques have been implemented in the design.
"GLDC wanted to be a community leader in the green initiative" said Steve DiMeo, President Mohawk Valley EDGE. "Following the LEED guidelines to certify the building added less than two percent to the overall construction costs. In terms of the added value of reduced energy bills and promoting environmental awareness, it was money well spent."
David J. Bonacci of the local architectural firm of Bonacci Architects, pllc in conjunction with the local engineering firm of Towne Engineering, highlighted some real benefits of their green design. They pointed to a significant reduction in energy usage as compared to buildings of similar size; improved air quality for a healthier environment of occupants; abundance of natural light; and a significant reduction in construction landfill waste through recycling efforts.
