June 13, 2012
Tribe’s Facilities Office Building Uses Latest Technologies
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s new Facilities Office Building has earned a LEED Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. This top level certification recognizes environmental excellence, providing “independent, third-party verification that a building meets the highest green building and neighborhood performance measures.”
“We are proud of our entire team for attaining this important goal,” said Marshall McKay, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. “Responsible stewardship of our land and resources is a core value of our Tribe that we strive to incorporate into all we do.”
Building to meet LEED Platinum standards is the latest example of Yocha Dehe’s overarching commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability that stems from its Native traditions. This commitment is a foundation of all of its operations from agriculture to hospitality to tribal governance. The Tribe’s environmental programs include clean energy generation and conservation, water recycling, carpools and public transit subsidies, organic farming, efficient irrigation and sustainable agricultural practices, recycling and sustainable procurement.
“For thousands of years, our ancestors tended the land, protected plant and animal species, and preserved environmental balance,” added Chairman McKay. “Today we are building on our ancestors’ commitment by actively investing in systems and technologies that contribute to a healthier planet.”
“This Yocha Dehe project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council.
The two story, 3,785 square foot Facilities Office Building is located near the Tribe’s administrative offices on trust land in Brooks, CA. The building houses the Tribe’s Facilities and Infrastructure, Information Technology (IT), and Environmental Departments.
Incorporated in its design and construction are technologies and measures to curb erosion, support native vegetation, conserve water, reduce energy consumption, reuse recycled materials, limit emissions and pollutants, and promote responsible ongoing behavior including recycling and carpooling. The project team included James Zanetto, Architect & Planner and Monley Cronin, General Contractor.