Press Releases

MONTEREY, CALIF.– Originally designed and built by Ausonio in 1996, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 234 (IBEW) building in Castroville has been certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold in Existing Building Operations & Maintenance.  This certification is in recognition of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. It is the first IBEW building to achieve LEED Certification in the nation and the first building in the Tri-County area to receive a Gold rating for the Existing Building Operations & Maintenance program.

"Electricians are very involved in the Green Movement, so it was fitting for us to be LEED certified. This is one way to show that we care about the environment. As the electrical union for the Monterey Bay area, we are concerned with economic and social justice for all workers, and it seemed only natural that we include environmental consideration and well-being in our mission.  Ausonio has been professional and has guided us to make decisions that have respected our budget," said Andy Hartmann, President of IBEW Local 234.

Ausonio advised IBEW on LEED standards and started the process of certification in July 2009, which included an energy audit and implementation of sustainable practices. Built before the inception of LEED certification, the IBEW building has an efficient design and with the IBEW sustainable practices and updates to the building, Ausonio managed to qualify it for Gold Certification.

"We're very pleased to help the IBEW Local 234 with LEED certification, especially because their motivation to embrace this environmental standard. I was impressed with their commitment to sustainability, from the grounds to the roof," said Joe Piedimonte, Ausonio's Controller and Green Building Consultant.

Serving as the Union Hall for local members and the Tri-County Joint Apprentice and Training Committee training center for electrical workers, the IBEW Local 234 building is rated 37 percent above the national average in efficiency for similar buildings. In December 2009, the electrical union installed a new photovoltaic array as part of a training class that taught electricians and apprentices how to install a solar electric system.

The grounds are tended by an organic landscape service that uses sustainable practices, including using only organic-based fertilizers and soil amendments. The planting areas surrounding the building are landscaped with native drought-tolerant plants, which are watered by an automated rain-sensing drip-irrigation system. Inside the building, they have opted for sustainable purchasing, a green housekeeping program and an integrated pest management plan.  These practices are designed to protect occupants as well as the planet.
IBEW Local 234 regularly hosts meetings for the Monterey Bay Electric Vehicle Alliance (MBEVA). IBEW recently applied for a permit to install an electric vehicle charging station for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles at their facility in Castroville.

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