Apr 12 2010
Clear One Health Plans, Inc. (OTCBB: CCHN) announced it has been awarded LEED® Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, further advancing the company’s commitment toward making a positive impact on the environment, the community, and its members’ wellbeing. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
“At Clear One Health Plans we are committed to sustainable practices including our green building, support for green modes of transportation, use of efficient lighting, renewable energy and conservation, as well as waste reduction, reuse and recycling,” said Gunnar Hansen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Clear One Health Plans. “Clear One is proud to have earned LEED Gold certification. We recognize how our business can affect the environment and people’s wellbeing, and we are proud to further contribute to a more sustainable community."
Clear One began construction in September 2006 and opened its new facility on Monday, May 12, 2008. In accordance with the Company’s corporate values, the environmentally sensitive facility was designed and constructed by BBT Architects, Inc. and Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company of Bend, Oregon. LEED Gold Certification of Clear One Health Plans was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the environment and the community. These features include:
- Daylighting – Eleven-foot finished ceilings allow for deeper penetration of more natural light into the office space and allow reflective lighting fixtures.
- Building Design - 75% of all spaces have natural light and views. On-site storm water runoff quality control and reflective roof membrane.
- Construction - In two categories 50% and 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
- Computer Operated Lighting System - Measures ambient light and adjusts fixtures to produce the same foot-candle readings (brightness). Energy efficient light fixtures and bulbs.
- Purchasing - 35% Green Power.
- Indoor Air Quality – Air humidified to 28% and filtered to 13 MERV "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value." The MERV rating is the standard method for comparing the efficiency of an air filter. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing particles from the air.
- Water Efficient Landscaping – 50% reduction in water usage and use of native plant materials.
- Efficient Restroom Fixtures - 30% reduction in water usage.
- Alternative Transportation – Indoor bicycle storage, showers, locker rooms, and carpool parking.
- Materials and Products - Use of regional materials, certified wood materials, over 30% recycled material, no products containing HCFCs, formaldehyde or ammonium sulfates, and use of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes, adhesives and paints.
- Implementation of Green Housekeeping Plan
- Building Control Systems – All systems enhanced commissioned, measured, and verified.
“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on nonsustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The work of innovative building projects such as Clear One Health Plans is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”
Clear One Health Plans was also recognized by Oregon Business magazine as one of the 100 best green companies to work for in Oregon in 2009 because of its commitment to sustainable practices including the company’s building, its support for green modes of transportation, use of efficient lighting, renewable energy and conservation, waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
Source: http://www.clearonehp.com