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Pittsburgh Opera Green Initiative
Contact: Kesha M. Pate, +1 412.281.0912 ext. 248
Pittsburgh Opera Seeks LEED for 139‐year‐old HQ: Becoming the oldest LEED building in Pittsburgh and first US LEED opera company
Synopsis
As part of its ongoing mission to enrich Pittsburgh and the tri‐state area, Pittsburgh Opera has begun a new green initiative committed to environmental stewardship and ongoing sustainability.
The primary focus of this new initiative is to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Operations and Maintenance Certification for the Opera's new headquarters in the historic George Westinghouse Air Brake Factory in the Strip District. Pittsburgh Opera's headquarters will be the oldest building in Pittsburgh and the first opera company in the United States to earn a LEED certification.
Overview
As part of its ongoing mission to enrich Pittsburgh and the tri‐state area, Pittsburgh Opera has begun a new green initiative committed to environmental stewardship and ongoing sustainability. The primary focus of this new initiative is to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Operations and Maintenance Certification for the Opera's historic 45,000 square‐foot headquarters in the Strip District.
The building, originally built in 1870 by George Westinghouse, Jr. to house his revolutionary Air Brake Factory, will be the oldest building in Pittsburgh to achieve LEED certification. The oldest building currently certified in Pittsburgh was built in 1896, 26 years after the Opera's headquarters. Pittsburgh Opera will also be the first opera company in the US to earn certification for its headquarters.
The Opera has already implemented several green elements, including occupancy sensors, energy efficient window shades, low‐flow toilets and water fixtures, recycled office materials, green cleaning supplies and a conference room table made from the reclaimed materials of a staircase renovation. The Company will also earn a LEED point for its employee wellness program from Highmark in collaboration with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Shared Services.
Pittsburgh Opera has engaged Evolve environment::architecture, a local environmental design and green practices consulting firm to assist with the certification and will be hiring an ongoing commissioning agent to help the Company plan for the long‐term sustainability of the building. The Company plans to submit for certification by the end of 2009.
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