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Some regional development organizations are serving as leaders in their communities by demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency. The Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments in northern Missouri led with the "Council Goes Green" project, which constructed an environmentally friendly office that it shares with the local rural development corporation. The office building features concrete with high insulation ratings, shingles made of recycled asphalt and fiberglass and carpet crafted from recycled plastic bottles. These characteristics improve energy efficiency and reduce the amount of new materials used in construction.

Mark Twain RCOG received $40,000 from the Mark Twain Solid Waste Management District, and the total construction cost was approximately $90,000. The average monthly electric bill is only $100, which is about one-third the average monthly electric cost for less efficient non-green buildings of comparable size. Since about 65 percent of electric consumption in the U.S. occurs in buildings, the Mark Twain RCOG office building can radically reduce electric demand. The organization's building has already proved an effective demonstration project, inspiring some regional residents to build green homes.

Assistant Director Robin Fitzgerald says, "The entire process of green building was quite interesting and more than worthwhile when you consider the environmental and efficiency benefits. It is somewhat difficult to locate building materials made from recycled products in rural areas. They can be found in other areas of the U.S., but become quite expensive when items must be shipped from around the U.S. I would truly encourage anyone who is considering constructing, whether it be residential or commercial, to consider green building. It has great rewards!"

In Pennsylvania, the SEDA Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has a certified green building in the planning stages that will serve as an extension of their current office space. The new building will use recycled materials to improve insulation, similar to the Mark Twain Regional COG's office, and it will also use strategically placed windows that allow ambient sunlight inside, decreasing the amount of energy needed to light the office during working hours.

The new green building will serve as an Energy Resource Center, housing about three of SEDA-COG's programs. One of these will be the weatherization program. Since 1976, the Council has provided information to homeowners on decreasing their energy use. The program entails an energy audit to assess inefficiencies primarily related to heating, as well as materials and labor for home improvements at no cost to low-income households in seven of SEDA-COG's 11 member counties. With enhanced energy efficiency, these families are better able to afford to heat their homes. According to the Department of Energy, in 2002 weatherization practices saved low-income households an average of $215 for the year.

In addition to the Resource Center's energy-related performance, SEDA-COG will develop a storm water management system for the new building, using a grant from Pennsylvania's Growing Greener program. This system will make use of low impact development land use principles, including a green roof, porous paved parking and native plants in bioswales on the property. These features allow for rainwater absorption. Such improvements prevent storm water runoff from contributing to erosion and water pollution when new impervious surfaces, such as roofs and parking lots, are constructed.

Public Information Manager Steve Kusheloff emphasizes SEDA-COG's outreach mission: "In addition to housing efficiency programs like the weatherization program, part of the Energy Resource Center's purpose is to work with local contractors and builders, or any type of organization, to demonstrate the green building operations used in the Center that they could use, too."

Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments 42494 Delaware Lane Perry, MO 63462 Tel: 573.565.2203 Fax: 573.565.2205 http://www.marktwaincog.com/

SEDA Council of Governments 201 Furnace Rd Lewisburg, PA 17837 Tel: 570.524.4491 Fax: 570.524.9190 http://www.seda-cog.org/