The Ace Building on Woodbourne Avenue has been awarded Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).LEED is the USGBC’s internationally recognised green building certification programme for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.Ace reduced the building’s energy use by 10 percent over a three-year period, one of the factors behind the award.The building joins Victoria Place and HSBC’s Harbourview building as LEED certified buildings on the Island.“This accomplishment is the successful culmination of a three-year project and demonstrates Ace’s long-term commitment to reduce its impact on the local environment and to operate the Ace Building as efficiently as possible,” said Samantha Froud, chief administration officer of Ace’s Bermuda Operations. “Ace has made a substantial commitment to reduce its carbon footprint globally and implementing the steps in Bermuda for the Ace Building to become LEED Gold certified represents a major achievement in the company’s environmental mission.“The LEED project team and our Ace Green Team of employee volunteers were responsible for implementing numerous energy and water conservation, and recycling initiatives within the building over the past three years. We greatly appreciate their efforts, which have been instrumental in this achievement.”The Ace Building received certification under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Rating System, which helps building owners and operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximising operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact.LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance including chemical use, recycling programmes, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades. By using less energy LEED certified buildings save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, employees and the community.“With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC’s vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president and CEO of the US Green Building Council. “As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, Ace in Bermuda is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement.”Colin Brown, vice-president facilities and LEED project manager for the Ace Building explained, “LEED certification recognised several Ace achievements within the building including the reduction of energy consumption by 10 percent from 2007 to 2010; the introduction of a comprehensive recycling programme for all tin, aluminium and glass, office paper, batteries, toners and electronic waste generated in the building; and implementation of green policies and practices that include sustainable purchasing, green cleaning, pest management, indoor air quality, and landscape management.”