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Clarkstown continues its steps towards making a
green community
by Courtney Iseman
January 26, 2009
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New City NY -
Michael Shilale, was invited to a meeting of the
Clarkstown Energy Committee on January 26, 2009. The
Committee, founded in 2008 by council members
Shirley Lasker and Frank Borelli, is primarily
concerned with energy efficiency. Clarkstown invited Mr.
Shilale to brief the members on green building and
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design),
the United States Green Building Council’s system
for rating green buildings.
Mr. Shilale discussed the need for reducing carbon
emissions and increasing energy efficiency in new and
existing buildings, as well as the many benefits
that come from doing so. The benefits include
cost efficiency,
carbon reduction, and building occupant
wellness just to name a few. The steps for
determining what makes a building green are outlined by
the LEED rating system.
Most buildings can
become a certified 'green' building by exhibiting
compliance with LEED’s five main categories:
sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and
atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor
environmental quality. The credits that can be
obtained run the gamut from integrated pest
management and alternative commuting to sustainable
purchasing. Energy Star certification and
purchasing Energy Star products are stepping stones
toward becoming a truly sustainable building and
achieving a LEED certification.
The presentation made for an interesting dialogue
and a successful meeting. Clarkstown has
already adopted legislation requiring all new homes
to achieve Energy Star Certification. The
Energy Committee continues to analyze, suggest
and share knowledge that provides valuable tools and
resources helping Clarkstown achieve their green
goals. Also present at the discussion were
Councilman Frank Borelli, town planning
board member George Hoehmann, and town planner Jose
Simeos, pictured with Michael Shilale above.
Michael Shilale Architects, LLP, a trusted
architectural engineering firm founded in 1991,
serves an educational, institutional, municipal,
commercial and residential client base, throughout
New York and New Jersey. For more information,
please call 845-708-9200, or visit their website at,
www.shilale.com.
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