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Lobbying group to celebrate green headquarters |
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By Patrick Fitzgerald
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Posted: 07/12/07 06:59 PM [ET] |
With Congress set to resume debate on energy policy and on the heels of last month’s “Greening the Capitol” report, a religious lobby group is setting an environmental example of its own.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) tonight will celebrate the certification of its refurbished Civil War-era headquarters as the first “green” building on Capitol Hill.
The building, the Quaker group says, will serve as a model for sustainable design at a time when businesses and lawmakers are searching for ways to curb U.S. energy consumption. The renovations, which began in 2003, have cut energy consumption 48 percent, according to FCNL Associate Executive Secretary Jim Cason.
“If we can do that with a pair of Civil War buildings,” Cason said, “then surely Congress can do that and encourage other people to do that.”
More than 40 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions and 50 percent of energy consumption stems from buildings, he added.
About two dozen lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are set to attend the celebration, as Congress readies energy legislation to tackle the issues of energy dependence and climate change. Several bills coming out of committee include provisions for green buildings, including measures originating in the Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means and Oversight and Government Reform panels. The provisions range from tax credits to block grants to promote green construction.
“Green buildings such as the Friends Committee offices improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower our electric bills,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who is expected to attend the celebration and who sponsored a green building bill that passed the Senate last month. “I continue to support efforts to build green and am glad that the Senate passed my green buildings bill last month so the federal government can lead the way to a more cost-conscious, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future.”
House Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Beard, whose “Greening the Capitol” report pledged carbon neutrality by the end of next year and called for a 50 percent reduction of energy consumption in 10 years, also has toured the building.
The renovations, which include a green roof, geothermal heating and cooling system, bamboo flooring and energy-efficient windows, cost the FCNL nearly $7 million, including fees for moving into and working in a temporary location while the remodeling took place. Cason expressed confidence that costs “quickly” will be recovered through energy savings.
“People say that there’s a lot that could be done, and we all agree that something can be done,” he said. “People get demobilized worrying about costs and the economy. What we’re saying is that you can go about your business with a little extra cost — and a huge return.”
Founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, the FCNL is the oldest registered religious lobby in Washington. Like a growing number of religious groups, it has championed environmentalism as concerns over climate change grow.
“We’re not saying everyone should doing what we’re doing,” Cason said. “But we see lots of different ways to build a green building.”
The celebration kicks off at FCNL headquarters (across the street from the Hart Senate Office Building) at 245 2nd St. NE.
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