Hoyer Speaks at Ribbon Cutting for New Green Dominion Building at Cove Point

LUSBY, MD - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) spoke today at the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the new energy-efficient Dominion Cove Point Administration Building.  The building is the first green building in Calvert County to earn a "silver" certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) program.  This program was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and certifies those meeting the strict standards for energy usage and environmental impact.

The Dominion Cove Point facility was built in 2007 at a site chosen for its minimal impact on the surrounding wetlands. According to Dominion, it uses 32% less energy than typical office buildings with features such as insulated glass at windows and doors, highly insulated walls, and a reflective/emissive roof.  The plumbing fixtures in the restrooms use 40% less water than the average building.  Additionally, more than 24% of the materials used in the construction of the building were produced locally, and more than 85% of the waste material was recycled rather than sent to a landfill.

"I am pleased to be here to acknowledge the work and commitment of Dominion in constructing this remarkable new facility," stated Rep. Hoyer "By designing a building that meets the ‘silver' requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, Dominion has made clear that this is not solely a corporate investment.  These investments will reap incredible benefits for the environment, the community and generations of Marylanders to come."

In 2007, Congress passed and the President signed the Energy Independence and Security Act that, among many things, requires greater energy efficiency in Federal and commercial buildings, with green building standards for new federal buildings and a zero net energy initiative to develop technologies, practices and policies to reach the goal of having all commercial buildings use no net energy by 2050. The legislation also included new incentives to promote industrial energy efficiency - through converting waste (such as exhaust heat) from industrial facilities into electricity.

"Energy independence has been a priority of the 110^th Congress.  It is critical to strengthening our national security, economy, creating new jobs, and helping to address global warming," concluded Hoyer. "I commend Dominion for its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship here in Calvert County."

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, serving customers in 11 states.  Dominion Cove Point is strategically located to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers and has storage capacity of 7.8 billion cubic feet.

 

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