Chrysler Trenton engine plant recognized as gold standard for green buildings

Chrysler''s new engine production plant (Trenton South) located in Trenton, MI has become the gold standard in green buildings. The facility was recently recognized by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design as the world's only engine manufacturing plant to meet the standards for the LEED Gold certification. Only three other automotive facilities have ever received this green award, none of the others are engine plants.

The award recognizes a facility's ability to operate at the highest levels of respect for the environment. Receiving the LEED award requires careful consideration of all on-site aspects including water management, indoor air quality, material usage and disposal, energy use and emissions.

Here's a few examples of why the plant earned the rare award. Forty-four percent of materials used for construction of the building were recycled content; the facility maintains an on-going zero waste policy; landscaping is designed to help cool the building, reducing electrical usage; water usage is 1.5 million gallons less than the old Trenton facility and emissions are reduced by 12,000 metric tons.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]