SEC Awarded LEED^® Gold Environmental Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2009-66

Washington, D.C., March 25, 2009 — The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today that the child development center at its Washington, D.C., headquarters has been awarded a Gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED^®) designation by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The project achieved LEED Gold certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use, and incorporating a variety of other sustainable building strategies.

The Harbor at Station Place, an on-site child development center serving more than 80 children, was built at the SEC last year.

"To create a true learning environment for our future generation, we needed to do so by example," said Cathy English, the SEC's Assistant Director for Real Property and Facilities Support, who oversees SEC building projects. "The center was constructed using sustainable design criteria, more than 75 percent of the renovated building materials were reused, and remaining materials were primarily purchased from local businesses within a 500-mile radius to eliminate unnecessary fuel consumption and minimize pollution. This is an excellent way for us to demonstrate to our children that we can all be environmental stewards and provide eco-friendly surroundings."

This major recognition of the SEC's efforts is a fitting tribute to the vision of the former director of the SEC's Office of Administrative Services, Annie O'Donoghue, who placed a high priority on constructing the child care center in an environmentally conscious way. Ms. O'Donoghue passed away last year after a brave battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

USGBC is a nonprofit organization of community leaders whose mission is to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. Founded in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 13,000 member companies and organizations, a comprehensive family of LEED green building rating systems, an expansive educational offering, and a network of 72 local chapters, affiliates, and organizing groups.

"The Securities and Exchange Commission is to be commended for achieving LEED Gold certification. This facility is one that both the community and its customers can be proud of," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO, Founding Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. "The SEC will be a showcase for high-performance, energy-efficient, healthy office environments, and an inspiration for others."

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ awards buildings points for satisfying specified green building criteria. The six major environmental categories of review include: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design. LEED green building certifications are awarded based on the total number of points earned within each category. LEED can be applied to all building types including new construction, commercial interiors, core and shell developments, existing buildings, homes, neighborhood developments, schools and retail facilities.

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