PNM Resources of Albuquerque, N.M., has decided to seek the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its new information technology building, according to a report in New Mexico Business Weekly (Albuquerque, N.M.).
The 32,000-square-foot building under construction in Albuquerque will provide office space for about 50 technology staff, who support the operations of PNM Resources, including Public Service Company of New Mexico and First Choice Power in Texas, according to the report.
There is only one LEED-certified building in New Mexico, according to the USGBC, although many are under development. But, of the 19 projects seeking LEED certification in the state, this is the only project owned by an energy company, Jeff Buell, spokesman for PNM, tells New Mexico Business Weekly.
Green building techniques PNM will employ to achieve its LEED certification include using recycled materials for at least 10 percent of the building, Buell tells New Mexico Business Weekly. Other environmentally friendly practices will include energy conservation once the building is completed as well as water conservation both in landscaping and indoor use.