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Gov. Gregoire's 'green' buildings leadership lands national recognition

For Immediate Release: November 18, 2005

OLYMPIA - Nov. 18, 2005 - Gov. Chris Gregoire�s leadership in making Washington the first state to require that new public buildings meet green building standards has landed her national recognition as a leader in the public works community. The landmark law creates energy efficiency, water conservation and other environmental standards.

Public Works magazine�s November cover story recognizes the governor as one of �the most influential, high impact leaders in the public works community.�

Published by Hanley Wood, the magazine�s 2005 Trendsetters list includes Gov. Gregoire among those �who have defined policy, brought their community or an issue into the spotlight, or set the standard within the industry.�

Said Bill Palmer, editor-in-chief of the magazine, �We looked for professionals who stand out among their peers by making a national or international impact on the public works sector thereby influencing the way we do our jobs on a daily basis.�

Gov. Gregoire in April signed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements into law requiring green standards for state-funded projects larger than 5,000 square feet and for projects of major renovation.

The high performance green buildings bill made Washington the leader in building schools and other state buildings that do a much better job of protecting the state�s air, land and water.

According to the State Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction�s office, use of green building designs result in:
� 20% annual savings in energy costs;
� 20% reduction in water costs;
� 38% in waste water production;
� 22% reduction in construction waste;
� A potential reduction in student absenteeism;
� A potential 5% decrease in teacher turnover rates; and
� A potential 5% to 26% improvements in standardized test scores.

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