Cal / EPA Building Is Meeting High Standards

It was disappointing that what will be one of the nation’s most environmentally advanced buildings has been tainted by an unbalanced article [“Cal/EPA Accused of Not Meeting Own Standards,” April 23].

Showcasing state-of-the-art environmental design was a goal established in 1993 for the new California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters building. Intensive discussions focusing on the “green” aspects of the proposed headquarters have occurred for well over a year.

During this period, the parties involved have collectively entertained and implemented additional greening proposals that are consistent within the economics of state office building construction.

We are now close to realizing a truly remarkable structure that will permanently shift conventional wisdom with regard to the environmental benefits that can be achieved in conjunction with high-rise construction.

To say that the Cal/EPA does not comply with environmental standards, when it meets or exceeds building code and energy-saving requirements in so many ways, is not accurate.

Recycled materials, including steel and concrete, are being used to construct the building. Floor plans designed to take maximum advantage of natural light, together with the use of “smart lights” and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), will hold lighting costs down. The air-conditioning system has been designed to feed fresh air, instead of just refrigerated air, to every floor of the building, with the result that the building will be 36% more efficient than required by state building codes.

All of these improvements, along with technology demonstrations and natural landscaping in the public spaces, are being done in an affordable manner, showcasing the most important environmental lesson of all: Buildings can be green and affordable too.

PETER M. ROONEY

Secretary for Environmental Protection

Cal / EPA

Sacramento