WASHINGTON, July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Congress begins to debate legislation that will guide our nation's energy policy for future generations, a broad bi-partisan coalition from both chambers of Congress will join together this week to celebrate the first "green" building on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress will make remarks on measures to cut U.S. energy consumption during a time of unprecedented urgency around the globe to curb the harmful effects of climate change, which most recently culminated in international Live Earth concert simulcasts calling for leadership action to effect real change. The newly-renovated, "green" headquarters of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) has cut the group's energy consumption by 48 percent. A model for energy conservation, the building is expected to receive a silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council prior to the celebration. "Buildings account for nearly 50 percent of U.S. energy consumption and more than 40 percent of CO2 emissions in the United States," explains FCNL Executive Secretary Joe Volk. "As the House begins debate on energy legislation to mitigate the harmful impact of climate change, FCNL seeks bi-partisan support for promoting 'green' buildings to drastically reduce U.S. energy consumption." Members of Congress, municipal officials, the American Institute of Architects, and other groups have explored opportunities to replicate the FCNL building's energy conservation design. Singular elements include a geothermal heating and cooling system, a vegetated roof, eco-friendly office furniture, natural lighting enhancements, bamboo floors, and user-controlled environmental features. For additional information and a virtual tour of the building, please visit http://www.fcnl.org/building.
