"Dominion is committed to operating Cove Point in harmony with the environment and in a manner that supports the local economy and community," said Paul D. Koonce, chief executive officer for Dominion Energy. "This building accomplishes both goals."

LEED provides a comprehensive approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

The building was constructed with locally produced materials such as bricks, windows and cement, thereby helping local businesses and reducing the amount of energy required for transportation. When construction was completed, more than 85 percent of the waste material was recycled instead of being sent to a landfill.

"Dominion's decision to design and construct the new administration building to meet the rigorous LEED standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council further demonstrates our commitment to excellent environmental stewardship at Cove Point," said Pamela F. Faggert, vice president and chief environmental officer for Dominion.

Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features include:

+ A location chosen to avoid impacting wetlands and to maintain open space;

+ High levels of insulation in roof, walls, windows and doors to reduce heat and cooling loss;

+ Extensive use of natural lighting;

+ Downward-focused exterior lighting to prevent "light pollution," and

+ Restrooms using 40 percent less water than a standard design.

The new building uses about 32 percent less energy overall than a traditionally designed structure. Dominion is offsetting the electricity this building uses by purchasing more than 550,000 kilowatt-hours of wind power annually, preventing the production of 750,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

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