Loudoun County has received national and state recognition for its energy-efficient practices.

The county recently achieved a LEED-certified Gold rating for a county capital project. Additionally, it received the top award in the Green Government Challenge sponsored by the Virginia Municipal League.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally-recognized green building certification system.

The LEED Gold rating for the new Loudoun County youth shelter is the county’s second Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. The county received its first Gold rating last year for the Loudoun County Homeless Services Center.

The Loudoun County Youth Shelter features several green design techniques and technologies expected to significantly lower the county’s ongoing operational costs, including the cost of heating and cooling.

The new facility has achieved a 48 percent reduction in energy use and a 42 percent reduction in water use compared to a similar type of building with more standard, non-green construction, according to the county’s public information office.

The Virginia Municipal League has recognized Loudoun County with a platinum award, the highest level of achievement, in the league’s Green Government Challenge. The award recognizes the Loudoun County government, in partnership with Loudoun County Public Schools, for a wide range of efforts that reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency and raise awareness about energy conservation.