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June 30, 2008 - “Green” mowing to be added to LEED rating system

Fort Collins, CO - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) just released the proposed 2009 LEED Green Building Rating System for public comment before the system is finalized this fall. The use of electric lawn care equipment will soon be one way to get a point towards a building’s green certification! Public comment for the updated document ends in June. This rating system applies to any existing building seeking LEED certification for the first time and to projects previously certified under LEED for New Construction or Core & Shell. This requirement can be found in the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Management Rating System on page 15.

It’s easy to see why the USGBC made the addition. During the summer, 54 million American’s mow their lawns every weekend. Not only are 54 million people mowing their lawns, but gallon for gallon, 2006 lawn mower engines contribute 93 times more smog-forming emissions than 2006 cars, according to the California Air Resources Board. The EPA estimates that 5-10% of all air pollution comes from lawn equipment.

Kelly Giard, CEO of Clean Air Lawn Care, has been following the progress of the USGBC. “We are excited to see this addition to the LEED Green Building Rating System. Landscaping is a big part of a building’s maintenance and ecological footprint and it makes sense to include environmentally friendly practices outside as well as inside a building.”

Clean Air Lawn Care is a lawn maintenance company that uses clean electric and biodiesel powered equipment. The vehicles hauling this equipment have mounted solar panels which charge the electric equipment during the workday. The equipment is clean and quiet; the business is carbon neutral. Clean Air Lawn Care began franchising nationally in 2008.

In addition to the inclusion in the LEED rating system, Clean Air Lawn Care recently became a green power partner with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Green Power Partners help to reduce the risks associated with climate change by supporting technologies that are more sustainable for businesses and communities. For more information visit: www.epa.gov/greenpower. The green power and carbon offsets Clean Air purchases are equivalent to reducing the emissions from 185 barrels of oil.

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