PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Tuesday October 24, 2006

Contact: Noel LaBine 763-477-3086

Green Construction seminar held at Rockwood in
Otsego on October 18, 2006.

     

   

   The Wright County Economic Development Partnership held a Development Series Luncheon Seminar at Rockwood's Banquet Center on October 18th.

    Presentations started at noon with Jennifer Anderson-Tuttle and Phil Stein of KKE Architects. They shared a lot of detailed information about the concept of Green Construction & Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification. A sponsor for the event was ERSystems of Rockford, MN. Ric Reibe from ERSystems was also on hand to answer Green Construction questions.

    Green Construction is popular now for a few reasons. One reason is that studies have shown that the typical extra investment in environmentally friendly materials and processes paid off with a 10-1 return on investment (ROI). Initially the costs of green construction are 2 percent more than a traditional building. However, over time, environmentally conscious buildings deliver savings through lower energy costs, less waste and water costs, increased employee health, etc.

    Another reason there is so much interest now is because the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 allows for tax deductions as high as $1.80 per square foot for applications of environmentally favorable construction techniques.

    KKE Architects have designed several buildings that meet the standards of environmentally friendly LEED certification including the Westwood Elementary School , which was the first LEED certified building in Minnesota . Other buildings include the new Turtle Mountain Community High School in Belcourt , ND .

   The Partnership exists to enhance the business climate of Wright County and to help create more jobs in Wright County . The strategies the Partnership uses to achieve its mission include being an information resource and finding technical assistance; aiding business development through Business Retention & Expansion visits, providing financing resources, and providing business information and training through seminars and workshops. Also, the Partnership markets Wright County to business site locators, and maintains an excellent website, which includes a listing of commercial and industrial property available in Wright County (see www.wrightpartnership.org ). The Partnership also assists with Workforce Development and has gathered economic statistical information, which is available on its website.