Spisak: Old Buildings Can Make Green

[irishbobcat]

Press Release-January 28, 2008

Old Buildings Turned Green can Save Youngstown Money

Campaign Site: http://votespisak.tripod.com

Independent Green Candidate for State Representative of the 60th District Dennis Spisak today announced today that a report by the United States Green Building Council concludes older buildings such as those in Downtown Youngstown present a much bigger opportunity to cut down on energy consumption and carbon emissions that contribute to the warming of the planet.

"The Leadership in Energy and Environment Design-LEED has guidelines that address older buildings." said Spisak. " Called L:EED for Existing Buildings, or LEED-EB, the three-year-old program provides a laundry list of steps that building owners and managers can take to operate and manage their properties more efficiently."
The report suggests that as more companies look to reduce waste, along with their carbon imprint, they find that their buildings are one of their most immediate opportunities. For their efforts, they typically get a healthier, cleaner work environment, improved efficiency and lower operating costs, all of which can help attract tenants and employees. A 2006 Green Building Council study found that by retrofitting buildings, owners can save 90 cents a square foot annually, on average, in energy and other costs and earn back their investment in 2 to 2 ½ years.

"As State Representative, I would work with the council, the local chamber, and state and federal resources to see that our older buildings in the 60th district can take on this renovation, save money, and increase tenants and employees for the 21st century." said Spisak. "These are ideas and innovations real progressive candidates want for our valley."