Green buildings complement EPA’s philosophy that brownfields redevelopment projects should be environmentally friendly, energy efficient, long lasting, and safe for the local community. Green buildings represent resource-efficient models of construction and operation that are designed to use fewer resources and generate less pollution. As part of its Green Buildings on Brownfields Initiative, EPA selected eight communities for Green Buildings on Brownfields Pilot projects. Through these pilots, EPA has been working with communities to incorporate environmental considerations into the planning, design, and implementation of their brownfields redevelopment projects.

Some of the design considerations associated with green buildings include:
· Use of environmentally safe and/or recycled construction materials in design;
· Landscaping that reduces runoff and shades the structure;
· Designs that reduce water and energy consumption by occupants; and
· Green roofs – roofs with a plant covering.

EPA’s initial eight pilot projects are now underway and it is hoped that their progress and accomplishments will serve as models for similar projects to follow. Assistance from EPA for these pilots comes in the form of technical, financial, planning, and outreach services; design expertise, and/or other needed expertise as identified by the community. Each of the eight pilots is briefly described below.

The Community Center Building, Springfield, Massachusetts
With assistance from EPA and the local government, the New North Citizen’s Council (NNCC), a non-profit social service organization, plans to build a two-story, 25,000 square foot building to replace its cramped and deteriorated offices. Located on 1.2 acres, the project aims to meet the criteria to gain certification of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and the Energy Star for Buildings program.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Center for Aquatic Life and Conservation, Baltimore, Maryland
The National Aquarium is building a new aquatic animal care center to meet the needs of a rapidly growing collection of current and future exhibits, as well as expanding programs in research, husbandry, and conservation. A 7-acre brownfield site located near major highways and bus routes in Baltimore City is the planned location for the new facility. The Aquarium will seek a Gold or Silver LEED rating for the center.

Community Culture and Commercial Center, Anahola, Kauai, Hawaii
This project is located on property that has frequently been used for the illegal disposal of automobiles, tires, appliances, batteries, and other items. Reuse plans for the state-owned property include a senior care living center, an elderly independent living facility, a charter school, retail stores, office space, and other facilities. The state plans to design the buildings and landscape to be energy- and resource-efficient, using local building materials wherever possible, and to attain LEED certification. Sustainable design measure under consideration include alternative energy generation, natural ventilation and day-lighting, the use of recycled building materials, and the use of non-toxic finishes and materials.

World Headquarters for Heifer International, Little Rock, Arkansas
Heifer International, a non-profit organization devoted to ending world hunger, is developing its new world headquarters and education center on a 28-acre brownfield in a former industrial area of downtown Little Rock. Heifer will seek a Gold LEED rating for the 100,000 square foot building. Sustainable, environmentally sound features of the building will be highlighted in public education programs to illustrate environmentally responsible building practices.

Volcanic Legacy Discovery Center, Mt. Shasta, California
The redevelopment plan for this 127-acre former lumber mill property includes 10 acres for the Volcanic Legacy Center. The center will be the centerpiece of a scenic byway stretching from Crater Lake in Oregon to Lassen Peak in California and is expected to receive thousands of visitors each year. The center will include a 20,000 square foot building with an auditorium; exhibit spaces with interactive and educational displays, a gift shop, other auxiliary spaces, and parking. Sustainable landscaping design features may be incorporated into the reuse plan, with an area for shrubs and plants, a vegetative filter area, wildlife pond, and stormwater retention basin among the possibilities.

ReGenesis Medical Center, Spartanburg, South Carolina
ReGenesis, Inc., a community non-profit corporation, is purchasing a 33-acre brownfield for redevelopment as a health and wellness park. The property will include a community medical center providing integrated healthcare. Using green building technologies, the center will be designed to protect indoor air quality, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and protect the watershed of a nearby creek.

The Trailhead Building, St. Louis, Missouri
Trailnet, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop a system of trails, known as the Greenway, in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, is converting a former power plant into an environmentally friendly building for office space. The building will also serve as a public place for people to meet, eat, get directions and information on the Greenway, and learn about the planet’s third-largest watershed. Trailnet, working with local stakeholders and partners, aims to achieve a good LEED rating for the building.

Marina District Redevelopment, Toledo, Ohio
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is in the process of redeveloping the 120-acre Marina District brownfield on the east bank of the Maumee River, directly across from downtown Toledo. The redeveloped area will include residential, commercial, recreational, and entertainment facilities. The Port Authority intends to use expert services provided through the Pilot to identify opportunities to employ green building technologies such as energy conservation measures, natural landscaping, natural stormwater management, and pedestrian-friendly site designs.

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