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International Green Building Challenge 2000 — Southcentral Regional Office

Photograph of the front exterior of the Department of Environmental Protection's Southcentral Regional Office in Harrisburgh, PA, which is the prototype for green technology building in the state. Using sustainable sources during construction, and several ongoing methods during use, including daylighting and controlled airflow, the building has reduced energy use and improved the work environment. The headquarters of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection serves as a prototype for environmentally friendly construction in the state. The 73,000-square-foot building, located in Harrisburg, was constructed from sustainable sources such as wheatstraw, soybean, cork, wood, and recycled glass and steel. Energy efficient transparent shades on every window provide protection from the sun and eliminate glare within the building, which is positioned to maximize use of natural daylight.

The building also leads the trend toward a healthier, more comfortable work environment. Volatile-organic chemical levels emitted from carpet glue and furnishings have been reduced, increasing air quality, and individually controlled airflow and temperature controls placed in the floor of each workstation increase worker comfort.

Southcentral Regional Office, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Web site
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Last updated: 10 December 2007