International Falls was recently recognized for the environment-friendly attributes of its Voyageurs National Park Headquarters building.

The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded the city “Silver LEED” status, under its “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” program, a rating status the council established in 1995 to recognize building projects that include environment-friendly materials and systems.

“Projects are judged on sustainability including water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality,” International Falls City Administrator Rod Otterness said in a statement on the recognition. The city owns the headquarters building and leases it to the federal government.

Otterness recently told the International Falls City Council that the status took a lengthy period, since 2009, to attain.

“A pat on the back to all involved,” he told the council. “This is a legacy to all involved.”

Kelly Meyers, International Falls building official, indicated that this is the first LEED certified building constructed in International Falls.

Building to the Silver LEED status is expected to reduce operating costs for electricity, heat and water consumption over the life of the building.

“The energy models we ran during the design phase of the project show 39.75 percent energy savings compared to a traditionally-built facility,” said Jody Anderson, lead architect for DSGW, which designed the building. “This translates into expected reduced energy costs equal to 24.58 percent,” according to Anderson.

Kraus-Anderson served as construction manager for the project.

“Even where our clients do not build to the Silver LEED standard, sustainability in building design is becoming a more and more important part of the construction process,” said Bob Fitzgerald, director of operations for Kraus-Anderson.

Kraus-Anderson Project Manager Clinton Gronhovd said it was a pleasure to work with city staff and with the National Park Service. “This was a fantastic project to work on,” stated Gronhovd.

Don Graves, an instructor in biology and environmental science at Hibbing Community College and formerly at Rainy River Community College, said LEED is the recognized standard for green building design.

“A LEED building uses less energy resulting in less greenhouse gases being released into the environment,” he said. “ International Falls in an elite class and it shows real forward thinking. This is a really big deal.”

International Falls Mayor Tim “Chopper” McBride said it took real commitment to achieve Silver LEED status.

“We are genuinely proud of this accomplishment,” said McBride. “The people of International Falls should be proud as well.”

“On behalf of the United States National Park Service, I congratulate the city for achieving this historic milestone,” Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Mike Ward stated.

More information on LEED is available at www.USGBC.org.