NASA Johnson Space Center’s ongoing efforts to go green, increasing energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, received high recognition recently as the U.S. Green Building Council awarded the center its second gold certification.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold distinction, which highlights excellence in carbon emissions reduction, water efficiency, energy savings, sustainable materials selection and indoor air quality, was awarded to the JSC Public Affairs Office building Aug. 19. Originally constructed in 1964, the center refurbished the 17,644 square foot building in 2008. It is the second building at JSC to receive the LEED Gold Certification.
“We are extremely proud of the record of green building we are establishing at JSC,” said JSC Center Operations Director Joel Walker. “But we are not satisfied. We have several more projects in the works and our goal is to meet the highest standards provided by the Green Building Council. We plan to continuously reduce the impact of JSC on the environment while providing the highest quality workplace for the unique skills and talents of NASA.”
JSC now has five LEED certified buildings, including two Silver certified buildings. JSC has three additional buildings that are currently under consideration for LEED status. “We have a great team at JSC that has planned, designed and implemented these projects, with continuously improving results,” Walker said. “I cannot say enough about their diligence and dedication in reaching these goals and striving for more.”
JSC is the home of Mission Control, the NASA Astronaut Corps and management of the Space Shuttle Program and International Space Station Program with leading expertise in space medicine, life sciences research, spacecraft engineering, astromaterials research and robotics. The center provides mission planning, training and execution for all U.S. human spaceflight activities.
For more information on JSC, visit: www.nasa.gov/johnson
