How green is your fire department? Do you at least recycle paper, plastic and glass? Or are you taking it to the next level and investing a station design that uses ecofriendly construction methods and products?

Municipalities across the nation are requesting green options for new construction. One resource they look to is the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit organization that aims to enable an “environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.” The USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark that offers guidelines for measuring and documenting success for every type of building.

“In the last two years, mayors and township administrators in most [requests for qualifications] are requiring LEED options,” said Zachary Zettler, AIA, of Cole + Russell Architects.

The steps to green that earn LEED credits fall into five categories of performance: sustainable sites, energy and atmosphere, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources. A project also can earn points in the “innovation in design” category by demonstrating exceptional performance above LEED requirements.

San Diego now requires that all new municipal structures larger than 5,000 square feet meet the LEED Silver Standard. The city council's sustainable building policy requires facilities to self-generate a minimum of 10% of their energy from onsite renewable resources. San Diego is making a commitment to promote green building practices in the community, starting with its Pacific Highlands Ranch Fire Station 47, a 10,500-square-foot building with a living area, individual sleeping areas for 11 personnel, and three drive-though apparatus bays.

You will find many more examples of green buildings in this issue's Station Style Design Awards. Since the awards program was created seven years ago, fire station design has evolved not only in its functionality, but in its range of construction materials and products as well. Exhaust and air purification systems and exercise rooms help firefighters stay health. Fire sprinklers prove that the fire service practices what it preaches. Individual sleeping quarters and alarm-alert systems address growing concerns about sleep deprivation.

Green building design is further evidence of this evolution, with energy-efficient air-conditioning units that work in tandem with cooler roofing systems, solar collection systems, dual-glazed windows, and low-flow kitchen and bath fixtures. And green isn't just for new buildings. Renovation allows old construction products to be recycled.

But does going green cost more “green?” According to the USGBC, an upfront investment of a 2% premium in green construction costs will result in a savings of 20% over the lifetime of the building. Other architects have said that the first LEED building in an area could cost more than subsequent buildings, which will be reduced as the involved parties become more familiar with systems and installation.

These projects are starting across the country. Cincinnati recently completed construction of its first fire station in more than 25 years, and its design is LEED-certified. The city will consider whether other municipal buildings will be LEED facilities. And Roanoke (Va.) Fire/EMS Station #3 will be that city's first project contracted to be LEED-certified.

The greening of fire and emergency services is a serious project. How is your department eliminating its footprint on the earth. Recycling is only the first step in a new direction.

Over the years, fire departments have worked to ensure that local fire stations would fit into their communities and neighborhoods. Today, with a nationwide effort toward energy conservation and environmental awareness, serving your community includes not contributing to the problem.

Tell us how your department is going green.