8/29/07 Secretary South Announces Gunter Building Earns Energy Star Recognition
~Energy Star identifies Gunter Building as one of the most energy efficient buildings in the nation~
TALLAHASSEE - The Department of Management Services Secretary Linda H. South today announced that the Gerald L. Gunter Building, owned and managed by the department, earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance. The Gunter Building, which houses the Public Service Commission (PSC), is the first in the department's portfolio of state-owned buildings to receive this recognition, and joins approximately 3,200 buildings nationwide that have earned the Energy Star.
"Protecting our environment is one of the most important issues we face," said Governor Charlie Crist. "Each of us has a responsibility to be stewards of our natural resources for our state's health and safety. I encourage all Floridians to explore areas where they can conserve energy and help ensure the future of this great state."
Commercial buildings account for almost 18 percent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. By earning the Energy Star, the Gunter Building uses approximately 35 percent less energy than average buildings while still providing quality service and comfort to occupants. The building met national requirements in categories such as temperature, humidity and illumination levels and air flow in addition to reducing greenhouse gases.
Organizations earn the Energy Star by using EPA's national energy performance rating system to generate energy-efficiency ratings for their buildings. The rating system is available for office buildings, schools, dormitories, hotels, hospitals and grocery stores, among other commercial buildings. For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.
"We are so pleased to accept the EPA's Energy Star in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts," said Secretary South. "Our team is excited to be one of the agency leaders in implementing Governor Crist's priority of making Florida more conservation minded. "
DMS's Division of Real Estate Development and Management operates and maintains almost eight million gross square feet of state-owned buildings and serves as the state's operation and maintenance resource for state facilities. This square footage includes 35 Tallahassee facilities and their associated grounds and 21 Regional Service Centers across the state. These services assist state agencies in performing their critical services by eliminating activities that are not part of their core services to the public.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 29, 2007
CONTACT: JAMES MILLER, (850) 921-5266
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