Photo: Arrowhead Electric Cooperative

The U. S. Green Building Council has awarded Cook County-based Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc. the Council抯 Gold Certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program --the first LEED-certified building in Cook County, Minnesota.

Arrowhead focused on LEED standards in remodeling its facilities and in adding an extension. The redesign boasts a more open layout and incorporates recycled materials, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and natural lighting and ventilation.

A LEED gold rating indicates excellence in areas of design and construction that reduce or eliminate the negative impacts of buildings on occupants and the environment.

These areas include:

• sustainable site planning
• safeguarding of water and water efficiency
• energy efficiency and renewability
• conservation of materials and resources
• improved indoor air quality
• design innovation

Documents:

•  Arrowhead Receives LEED Gold Certification