Apr 15 2010
TXU Energy, the state’s leading electric retailer, has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). This award comes less than one year after TXU Energy also received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), ENERGY STAR® award.
TXU Energy recently took “green” steps forward as it applied for LEED certification for its corporate headquarters in Irving, Texas. Some of these steps include:
- Lighting motion sensors throughout the building;
- Energy-efficient lighting, new and retrofitted;
- Air temperatures and humidity monitoring;
- Recycling centers; and
- Installing LED fixtures in parking garage.
“As an innovative energy provider, receiving this certification helps to signify our commitment to our customers,” said Tom Leverton, chief operating officer for TXU Energy. "Helping them improve energy efficiency at their homes and businesses while, at the same time, lowering costs and caring for the environment is of great importance to our company. Having our headquarters certified in this way clearly demonstrates how strongly we believe in this commitment.”
LEED certified buildings are constructed or refitted using a suite of standards developed by the USGBC for environmentally sustainable construction. When completed, they use key resources more efficiently when compared to conventional buildings, and provide employees with healthier work environments.
LEED certification isn’t just about recycling and reusing materials. It also focuses on maximizing energy efficiency and utilizing “green” materials. Environmentally sustainable construction projects actively utilize recycled carpet and concrete, materials and products made from renewable sources, regionally manufactured materials and environmentally-friendly paints and finishes.
Last year, TXU Energy earned the EPA’s prestigious ENERGY STAR rating for its corporate headquarters. The award is a national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. This signifies that the building’s energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide.
Source: http://www.txu.com/