Verizon Center Awarded 'Green' Certification for Energy Efficiency

The 1.4 million-square-foot Verizon operations center on N. Maple Ave., home to about 3,000 employees, was awarded the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver certification for the facilities environmentally sound design and efficient energy use last week.

The LEED (Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design) is a "third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings," as described by the USGBC's Web site.

"Verizon's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership. As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, the Verizon operations center is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement," Rick Fedrizzi, president and CEO of the USGBC said in a Verizon press release.

The certification marks the second time in recent months that the Verizon center was recognized for its environmentally friendly approach – also earning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star rating in September.

"The efficient management of the Verizon operations center is an extension of the company's commitment to the environment, but it's also an example of our focus on implementing sensible business practices and reducing energy consumption," said Tanya Penny, vice president of real estate for Verizon in a press release.

Using temperature sensors, energy-management systems to control heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as the facility's energy-efficient light bulbs, controlled lighting schedules and other advanced energy efficient equipment has placed the Verizon center among the top 25 percent most energy-efficient facilities in the U.S.

Energy Star rated buildings use an average of 40 percent less energy and 35 percent less CO2 than typical commercial buildings in the U.S. The Basking Ridge center is one of 46 Verizon facilities to have earned the Energy Star recognition.

Overall, Verizon's carbon intensity is roughly nine times below the U.S. average according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Verizon has invested in fuel cell technology at its facility in Garden City, NY, and also saves energy by requiring all of the network equipment it purchases to be 20 percent more energy efficient than industry standards.