Potter League Becomes First Animal Shelter in U.S. to Earn LEED Gold

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United States Senator
Sheldon Whitehouse joined Executive Director Christie Smith today to announce
that the Potter League for Animals shelter and education center has been
certified as a LEED Gold building for its energy efficient and high-performing
design. With this designation from the U.S. Green Building Council, the Potter
League becomes the only animal shelter in the United States (and the first
Rhode Island building) to be LEED certified at the Gold level.

"The Potter League for Animal's Gold Level LEED certification puts Rhode
Island at the forefront as we build a new, clean and green economy," said
Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW)
Committee.

Joining in with praise for the Potter League's accomplishment was noted
environmentalist and former Vice President Al Gore who wrote, "Not only do
your achievements reflect your organization's commitment to bettering the
environment, but also your commitment to improving the lives of animals."

In her comments, Executive Director Smith underscored how the new,
environmentally friendly animal shelter and education center is a reflection
of the organization's goal of making a difference and enriching the lives of
both people and animals. "Green design means that this is a more inviting
and healthy place for everyone. Utilizing these resources, we solved many of
the challenging issues animal shelters normally face, such as disease control,
inadequate ventilation, poor lighting, inefficient systems and high utility
costs."

The Potter League used a range of strategies to improve the indoor
environment, reduce site impact and improve water efficiency. Other
sustainable features include:
-- Plastic wainscoting made from soda and milk bottles;
-- A floor made from recycled tires;
-- Use of highly renewable radiata pine and bamboo;
-- A storm water management system that captures 90 percent of storm
water
through a 15,000 gallon cistern, vegetated roof and permeable paved
parking lot;
-- Landscaping with native plant species;
-- Low-flow toilets and faucets;

-- High-tech HVAC system provides multiple air exchanges per hour in each
room.

The project was also recognized for recycling more than 75 percent of
construction materials and demolition waste.

"The Potter League is about careful use of resources, reclamation,
rehabilitation and second chances. We are about health and wellness. We are
about kindness and positive outcomes. Early in the vision process for this new
shelter, we knew we wanted to reflect all these values," added Sheila Reilly,
board president.

"The Potter League's LEED Gold certification demonstrates tremendous green
building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, President of the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC). "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry
to reach further than ever before, and as the first Gold certified animal
shelter in the county, the Potter League serves as a prime example of just how
much we can accomplish."

The Potter League's Animal Care and Education Center was designed by ARQ
Architects of Kittery, Maine and constructed by Behan Brothers of Middletown,
Rhode Island at a cost of $8 million. The building was funded through
generous individual contributions and grants from the van Beuren Charitable
Foundation, Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust, Champlin Foundations,
Rhode Island Foundation, and Prince Charitable Trusts.

The Potter League for Animals is a private, nonprofit humane society and
animal shelter, founded in 1929. Each year, the Potter League provides
compassionate care to 2,000 homeless, stray and lost animals while offering a
diverse number of services to their human counterparts that include education
and community outreach. Through programs and services, the hallmark of the
Potter League for Animals is a legacy of healthy relationships between people
and their animal companions in Newport County, Rhode Island.

CONTACT: Pat Heller
401.846-0592 ext. 114
Path@PotterLeague.org

SOURCE Potter League for Animals

Pat Heller of the Potter League for Animals, +1-401-846-0592 ext. 114,
Path@PotterLeague.org