‘Green’ Building Leads Way
Constructing building that conserve energy and are sensitive to the environment isn’t a new concept. However, it is somewhat uncharted territory in Oklahoma. As the state’s secretary of the environment, I have the opportunity to see firsthand the many things Oklahomans are doing to ensure our state maintains its natural beauty for generations to come, and I’m particularly excited when the private sector takes a lead role in environmental or “green” practices.
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of learning more about one Oklahoma business that is taking environmental building standards to a new level Boldt Construction Co. On Thursday, Boldt’s southern operation headquarters will formally open its 42,000-square-foot corporate facility on the northwest corner of Broadway Extension and Hefner Road.
Constructed according to guildelines from the U.S. Green Building Council, Boldt’s new headquarters is Oklahoma’s first privately built “green” or LEED-certified corporate building. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and Boldt will achieve a silver certification in the LEED rating system.
LEED buildings go beyond normal environmental issues. Construction of a LEED building means a variety of design concepts, construction and land use practices all coalesce to achieve the goal of returning environmental and economic benefits to the property owner and surrounding community.
Achieving “green” building status doesn’t mean Boldt employees can’t turn on the lights in their offices. However, they may not have to because most areas of the headquarters are designed to optimize the use of natural light, thereby decreasing electricity usage. Other LEED features include bicycle racks to encourage cycling to work, special parking spaces for employees who drive hybrid vehicles, and maintaining minimum air quality and strict waste collection standards.
Taking these extra “green” measures will cost more initially, but the company will quickly realize a turn on its investment by enjoying timely savings on utility bills and other long-term costs. In short, 21st century ideas and concepts will allow Boldt to save money quickly while enjoying the benefits the building will provide not only to the environment but to its employees.
I commend Boldt for the leadership it has shown in bringing to light the benefits of environmental sensitivity while adding an architecturally striking corporation headquarters to the Broadway Extension corridor. Truly, it’s a win-win for Oklahoma City and the state.
I encourage other Oklahoma entities, private and public, to consider following Boldt’s lead in constructing sustainable structures that maximize energy use, maximize natural light and recycle water. Applying these principles to buildings translates into a “green” environment, as well as a “green” cash flow, which all of us can enjoy.