Visit Indian Travel Sites
Goa,
Kerala,
Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh,
Delhi,
Rajasthan,
Uttar Pradesh,
Himachal Pradesh,
Assam,
Sikkim,
Madhya Pradesh,
Jammu & Kashmir
Karnataka
|
Obama intends to make White House the greenest it has ever been | Reports indicate that US President Barrack Obama
intends to make the White House the greenest it has ever been, during his stay at the place. According to a report in Environmental News Network (ENN), upon
first entering the White House, President Obama had said, "Each of us have a role
to play in not being wasteful when it comes to energy. Part of what I want to
do is to show the American people it's not that hard." The Obama family put those
words into action very quickly from first lady Michelle Obama's organic herb and
vegetable garden on the south lawn to the Obama girls' green swing-set made of
recycled materials, shredded tires and nontoxic dyes. Obama plans to earn a LEED
certification to make the White House the greenest it has ever been. The Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification was developed by the US
Green Building Council (USGBC) to measure and reward buildings and communities
that implement green building design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Greening a home is no easy task, but with the historic status and required security
of the White House, the Obama family has their work cut out for them. According
to Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and President of the USGBC, "LEED certification of the White
House is absolutely possible and viable." On top of the availability of recycling
in the East and West Wings, White House drinking fountains - which apparently
did not accommodate the refilling of water-bottles - are even being modified to
make the process much easier. White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
spokesperson, Christine Glunz, said that the effort to get the White House to
LEED certification includes energy and water systems as well as waste. CEQ is
looking to reduce the carbon footprint of the White House by implementing computerized
energy management systems, automatic light sensors that turn off in unoccupied
rooms and low-flow water valves. Paints and sealers with low or no volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), biodegradable cleaners and recycled equipment will all be used
by White House groundskeepers and engineers, according to a White House spokesperson.
Window films that will lower UV rays and save energy will also be added. Any leftover
materials from White House renovations and demolitions will be donated to local
reuse organizations. |
|
|
|
|
|