By Nick Gilbert
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification to the Airlie Conference Center for its Pavilion building.
The Airlie Center, a prominent conference center, is located in Warrenton, Virginia on a 1,200 ac campus. It is designed to hold special events and meetings. The center is committed to green and sustainable initiatives. It has received the E3 (Environmental Excellence) designation from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Green Seal ‘Silver’ status.
In 2011, the Airlie Center has performed extensive renovations to its Pavilion building. It adhered to the guidelines specified by USGBC for meeting the LEED criteria for green building design. The Airlie campus has 17 conference areas and the Pavilion is the largest of them all. It covers 2,800 sq. ft. and is an octagonal-shaped building. It has retractable glass doors that allow 360° views. This facilitates an open-air feeling.
The Airlie Foundation’s President of the Board of Directors, Kimberly Head stated that it was an honor to receive the LEED Gold designation for the Pavilion. For over 50 years, Airlie has maintained environmental stewardship at the core of its activities, and the award proves its initiatives, Head said.
The Airlie Center demonstrates its commitments through reduction in energy consumption, producing and sourcing local foods, reducing waste, and performing composting and recycling operations. The center takes care of the 1,200 ac campus which is home to sensitive wildlife.
Source: http://www.airlie.com/