Department of Environmental Protection this week presented $440,000 in financial assistance to the SEDA-Council of Governments for energy-related features in the construction of its expanded headquarters in Union County.

The new SEDA-Council headquarters in East Buffalo Township will be a Gold-certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design facility that will incorporate numerous renewable and energy-efficient elements.

The grant, provided by the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, will pay for a closed-loop, geothermal heat pump system; triple-glazed windows with low-conducting wood frames; a solar photovoltaic panels; and radiant floor slab heating systems.

“Our new facility will actively introduce the public to the economic and environmental value of green building practices and provide a model for shaping future building methods throughout central Pennsylvania,” SEDA-Council of Governments Executive Director Dennis Robinson said. “It will serve as an example that builders, developers, educators, contractors, businesses, and local governments can study and replicate.”

11/30/2007