WASHINGTON - November 30 - As Capitol Hill's first green building, the headquarters of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) offers a model for the next generation of office buildings in the District of Columbia. The Quaker peace lobby’s recently renovated building, constructed out of two civil war era brownstones, is one of only a handful buildings in the D.C. that have cut energy use by more than 40 percent while creating an open, light working environment for employees. The building offers a preview of what Washington, DC could achieve through the city council proposal to require new, city funded project to meet green standards.

Interviews, photos opportunities with Hart Senate Office Building as backdrop, and tours are available for members of the media. More information and a virtual tour of the building can be found on FCNL's website.

The building’s green features include geothermal heating and cooling, a vegetated roof, eco-friendly office furniture, a “light scoop” for natural lighting, bamboo floors, energy efficient windows, and bicycle parking. While adding to the building’s initial construction costs, these energy-saving features provide long term savings that will allow FCNL to recoup the extra cost in about five years.

FCNL’s work in Washington includes advocacy for environmental protection and the use of renewable energy sources, and in July 2003 the organization began renovations on its Civil War-era office building that would reflect its commitment to reduced energy consumption and vision for an earth restored. Construction was completed in August 2005. The building is LEED-registered with certification expected in the next few months.

The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in October 2006 presented a Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design to FCNL, architect Burt Hill, and general contractor Kfoury Construction for the FCNL green building. "Sometimes buildings are said to have a soul," explained AIA Vice President Todd Ray in presenting the award. "This one has a conscience."

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