5.01.2007 - 02:00pm ET

(CSRwire) MADISON, WI - May 1, 2007 - Leonardo Academy has been selected by the Clinton Foundation to manage the LEED for Existing Building (LEED-EB) certification process and greening of operations at the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. This initiative was publicly announced during the Earth Day Celebration at the Clinton Library on April 21, 2007. A letter from President Clinton was read by Lena Moore, Deputy Director of the Clinton Foundation announcing the Clinton Library's entrance into the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED-EB program. USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi was also on hand to welcome the Clinton Library into this program.

The Clinton Library received Silver certification under the USGBC's LEED for New Construction program in 2004. The goal of the announced LEED-EB initiative is to make the Clinton Library even greener by applying continuous improvement to building operations. President Clinton's goal is to achieve LEED-EB Platinum Certification, the highest certification possible. Major reasons for embarking on this initiative include a sense of responsibility to "do the right thing" for the environment and a desire to provide a demonstration project that will educate and inform the public about green building. Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy, responded to this effort by stating, "Leonardo Academy congratulates the Clinton Library for its leadership in recognizing the importance of both green building construction and the continuous improvement of green building operations."

LEED for Existing Buildings provides a framework for achieving green improvements in all existing commercial buildings. Buildings certified under the LEED for New Construction program can also continually improve environmental performance by seeking LEED-EB re-certification

The LEED-EB certification process is a team effort. Participants include the two organizations responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Clinton Library and its grounds, the Clinton Foundation and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), represented by Debbie Shock and Steve Samford respectively. The Clinton Foundation has engaged several consultants on this project, and has identified Leonardo Academy to manage the process of achieving LEED Certification. The Leonardo Academy is working closely with the other team members, Rocky Mountain Institute and Powers of Arkansas to ensure the Clinton Library meets its goal of achieving Platinum Certification. In addition, all of the Clinton Library grounds, facility management, and housekeeping staff will play a key role in the success of this initiative.

Key Clinton Library LEED-EB certification steps include: (1) Identifying opportunities for building and site green performance improvements (these opportunities for the most part include updating operating procedures and purchasing, and tuning up or updating existing equipment), (2) Deciding which actions to implement, (3) Tracking all aspects of green building performance, and (4) Submitting an application to the USGBC for re-certification under LEED-EB. Continuous improvement and periodic re-certification of green operations will continue for the rest of the life of the building.

Green actions in this initiative include: (1) Green cleaning (green cleaning chemicals and increased recycled content for paper products), (2) Waste reduction (increased recycling and source reduction for paper, light bulbs, aluminum, etc.), (3) Climate neutrality (all carbon emissions from energy use not addressed by additional efficiency actions and onsite renewable energy by the Library will be offset with renewable energy credits). Additional actions under consideration include a green (vegetated) roof for the building and increased building efficiency of lighting, heating, and cooling systems. All actions ultimately implemented will need to be approved by both the Clinton Foundation and NARA.

ABOUT LEONARDO ACADEMY—Leonardo Academy (www.leonardoacademy.org) is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Leonardo Academy helps companies, organizations, buildings, events, families and individuals achieve sustainability. For greening buildings, Leonardo Academy supports implementation and certification under the LEED rating system. Leonardo Academy managed the LEED-EB pilot program for the USGBC from 2002-2004 and conducted all certification reviews of LEED-EB certification applications from 2002-2006 for the USGBC. Leonardo Academy's Cleaner and Greener® Program supports the development and certification of emissions footprints and reduction and offset strategies.

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