Blue Earth County Justice Center becomes LEED® Silver certified

MANKATO, Minn. (February 9, 2011) - Blue Earth County announced today that the Blue Earth County Justice Center has been awarded LEED® Silver established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

"Achieving LEED certification to the Silver level is an outstanding example of Blue Earth County’s commitment to environmental responsibility that saves resources, taxpayer dollars and keeps future generations in mind," said Kip Bruender, Blue Earth County Board Chair. "We are extremely proud of the entire Justice Center Project and to have set an example for other organizations in building environmental awareness and highlighting the benefits of incorporating sustainable practices into their facilities.”

The Blue Earth County Justice Center, designed by Paulsen Architects, achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

The Blue Earth County Justice Center is a 172,000 sf facility that streamlined the County's criminal justice functions including the Sheriff's Department, County Attorney, County jail, Probation Department and the Courts. The geo-thermal heating system that runs 48 miles of tubing under the facility is considered one of the buildings most unique sustainable features. The tubes circulate both water and heated air. During winter, water in the tubes absorb ground heat, which can be converted into air that heats the facility. Other sustainable initiatives include the use of materials containing recycled content, the use of local building materials, daylight harvesting, water use reduction, rain gardens and prairie restoration.

This recent LEED Silver certification of the Justice Center makes it the first LEED-certified jail in the state of Minnesota, the first public certified building in South Central Minnesota as well as the largest certified building in Southern Minnesota.

“It is exciting to see the Justice Center earn official LEED certification. Seven years ago when we first started this project, “green” building practices were not mainstream. I commend Blue Earth County for embracing our sustainable design and LEED certification recommendations for the facility,” says Bryan Paulsen, President and Principal Architect of Paulsen Architects. “The county’s willingness to take these bold steps has benefited their staff and constituents by creating cleaner, safer environments and area taxpayers by substantially reducing operational and environmental costs. Today, because of the County’s actions, many area businesses and communities have also adopted sustainable design as a part of their strategic plans.”

The Blue Earth County Justice Center is also a 2010 American Institute of Architects Justice Facilities Review award recipient, a Green Building of America Award winner and was featured in the Real Estate & Construction Review-2009 Midwest Green Success Stories. Several other local and regional projects, designed by Paulsen Architects, are in the process of review for LEED certification. They include Rosa Parks Elementary School, the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society and multiple others that are in design phase.

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