Press Release
Fla. Museum's McGuire Center receives green building status
For Immediate Release June 30, 2005
Contact:
Paul Ramey, Dir. of Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Kristin Ede
PHOTOS AVAILABLE
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- The Florida Museum of Natural History's McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council — only the second University of Florida building to receive this recognition.
The McGuire Center, designed by architects Kha Le-Huu & Partners of Orlando and built by Skanska USA Building Inc. of Tampa, was chosen for its efficient energy and water use, ongoing indoor air quality, use of environment-friendly cleaning chemicals, recycling and exterior maintenance programs and the ability to upgrade and meet future green building performance standards.
"As the newest world center for research and education on environmental issues and biodiversity, we are pleased that the state-of-the-art building housing our highly dedicated group of scientists meets the leading standards for environmentally responsible construction and energy conservation," McGuire Center Director Thomas C. Emmel said.
The McGuire Center will receive certificates and a plaque of recognition, and a case study will be posted on the U.S. Green Building Council web site and added to the U.S. Department of Energy and High Performance Buildings database.
The first UF building to earn the green building rating is the M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction, completed in March 2003.
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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, including ticket prices, directions and parking information, call (352) 846-2000, or visit the museum online, www.flmnh.ufl.edu.