News Release No. 212

LEWIS AND CLARK STATE OFFICE BUILDING AWARDED
TOP HONOR FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

Volume 34-212

Contact: Connie Patterson

(For immediate release)

573-751-1010

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 30, 2006 -- Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder announced today that the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, home to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, has been awarded the highest rating available by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for energy efficiency and environmental awareness.

Speaking at a news conference, Kinder announced that the building had been awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification -- only one of 16 in the nation and the first ever to be awarded to a state government office building.

Kinder commended the department on its focus on energy efficiency, which will save the state an estimated $30,000 to $60,000 annually in heating, cooling and lighting costs.

"This building was not designed and built to win awards; it was designed and built to serve the people of Missouri," he said. "In other words, it's not a show pony; it's a workhorse -- an incredibly efficient workhorse."

Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers noted that from its inception, the goal was for the building to "embody the department's mission."

"As the stewards of the state's air, land and water resources, it's only fitting that this building embodies the values of the people who work here," Childers said. "From site selection through construction to operation, this facility was built to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient."

The Lewis and Clark State Office Building was designed by the Kansas City firm Berkibile, Nelson, Immenschuh and McDowell (BNIM). The general contractor was Professional Contractors and Engineers of Columbia.

For more information on the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, see the department Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/greenbldg/ or the BNIM Web site at www.bnim.com.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

###