News Releases from Region 07

EPA Region 7 Achieves LEED Platinum Certification for Regional Office Facility in Lenexa, Kan.

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., March 17, 2015) - EPA Region 7 has achieved Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Platinum level under the Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance standard for its Regional Office facility in Lenexa, Kan. The Platinum level is the highest LEED designation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

In October 2012, EPA Region 7 moved its Regional Office from downtown Kansas City, Kan., to Lenexa, Kan. At that time, Region 7 received the LEED Gold certification under the New Building/Major Renovation Standard. The Platinum certification builds on the Gold certification.

"Achieving LEED Platinum certification demonstrates that EPA is a leader in green building operations," said Acting Region 7 Administrator Mark Hague. "I'm proud of the work we have accomplished to set an example that other large facilities can follow."

Region 7's facility at 11201 Renner Boulevard is highly efficient, using 25 percent less energy and 56 percent less water than its previous facility in Kansas City, Kan. Additionally, the custodial staff strictly adheres to a Green Cleaning program. This Green Cleaning program uses special vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, bio-based and fragrant/dye-free cleaning products, and non-toxic pest management practices. EPA Region 7 also diverts 73 percent of its waste from landfills and 86 percent of its purchases are made from recycled or bio-based materials.

In addition to the building operations, EPA Region 7 also developed a Native Grasslands Environmental Learning Center on the property that showcases several of the distinct ecosystems found in the region's four-state territory.

The LEED Platinum certification is valid until February 2018. At that time, EPA Region 7 will apply for recertification.