Aquascape Receives LEEDS Silver Certification

Aquascape announced that its main headquarters, Aqualand, earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification. The LEED rating system offers four certification levels for new construction -- Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum -- corresponding to the number of credits accrued in five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Aqualand is a 256,000-square-foot facility featuring office and warehouse space. The roof of Aqualand is the largest sloping green roof ever constructed in North America. Aqualand is made with sustainable materials, which played a big part in the LEEDS rating system. Among the sustainable building products are energy efficient HVAC systems, water conserving plumbing fixtures, recycled steel building frame, etc.

“Obtaining LEEDS certification really ties in with our philosophies and the culture of our company in that we build natural ponds,” Jack Luedtke, Aquascape’s General Manager, said.

The LEEDS certification process begins from the first day the job is conceived, examining site selection, construction waste, and construction materials, among other things to award points in each category. Buildings that obtain Silver certification receive 33-38 points.

“What isn’t measured in the LEEDS process is employee satisfaction, but everyone who works here will agree that Aqualand is truly a superior environment,” Luedtke said. “We call it a workplace utopia because that’s the dream that our founder, Greg Wittstock, had for this building.”

For more information about Aquascape, its products, or programs, log on to: www.aquascapeinc.com or call 866-877-6637 (U.S.) or 866-766-3426 (CAN).