Northern Plains Resource Council Aims for Green Headquarters

The Northern Plains Resource Council (NPRC) and the Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC) are seeking the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification with the construction of the organizations’ new headquarters in Billings, Mont., according to a report in the Billings Outpost. (Billings, Mont.).

The efforts to achieve LEED certification have started with the demolition of the old structure. According to the report, 95 percent of the old building material will be recycled or composted.

The Billings Outpost reports that 5,450 pounds of metal, 620 pounds of copper and 420 pounds of insulated wire have already been recycled and 23,595 pounds of horsehair insulation have been composted.

Other green features of the new building will include energy-saving techniques such as radiant heated floors, natural day lighting and evaporative cooling.

Construction by Billings, Mont.-based Hardy Construction is expected to take about six months. The finished, 9,544-square-foot headquarters will be home to both organizations’ employees. It will also include a community meeting hall, according to the report.