The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification for sustainability in building operations for its headquarters building, announced Raphael Bostic, president and chief executive officer of the Atlanta Fed.
According to a press release, the Atlanta Fed is the first LEED Platinum building in the Federal Reserve System and only the fourth existing building in Atlanta to earn LEED Platinum certification.
“Earning Platinum certification is an achievement that underscores our commitment to being a good environmental steward,” said Bostic. “For several years we have worked to upgrade many of the building’s systems to reduce our environmental impact and create a greener workplace.”
LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that uses a point system to evaluate a building’s environmental impact. Buildings can earn four levels of certification—certified, silver, gold, and platinum—based on their point total. The Atlanta building earned LEED Gold in 2013 and achieved Platinum through its recertification efforts this year.
Since 2009, the Bank headquarters has reduced annual energy consumption by over 37 percent and water consumption by over 31 percent. Sustainability initiatives include an innovative green cleaning program, a robust recycling program, water-efficient fixtures, and sustainable purchasing policies.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta serves the Sixth Federal Reserve District, which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and sections of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. As part of the nation’s central banking system, the Atlanta Fed participates in setting national monetary policy, supervises numerous commercial banks, and provides a variety of financial services to depository institutions and the U.S. government.
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