U.S. Green Building Council announced Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification of Warren County’s new Public Safety Building. The facility houses the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Fire and Rescue Services and associated support spaces.

Warren County made sustainability a high priority in the design and construction of this 44,382-square-foot building, which officially opened in October 2012.

County Administrator Douglas P. Stanley noted that the achievement of LEED Gold certification “highlights the Warren County’s efforts to be leaders in promoting responsible environmental stewardship in the construction and operation of its facilities. The long-term implications will reduce operating costs while providing a healthier environment for our workforce.”

Tony Bell, a vice president with Moseley Architects and who worked with the county on the project, said “It’s rewarding to work on a project that features design strategies that address energy use and conservation and demonstrate wisely investing taxpayer dollars.”

Working towards LEED certification, Moseley Architects’ design included reflective roof surfaces to minimize the heat island effect, solar thermal panels to preheat domestic hot water, a radiant sail and active beam heating and cooling system to reduce energy use by over 35 percent, and low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water use by 33 percent and to save approximately 133,000 gallons of water per year.