Baraboo, Wis. — The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center received LEED Platinum certification and one of the highest rankings yet awarded from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The award was presented on October 18 at the center in Baraboo, Wis.

Built to the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability, the center employs some of the most innovative materials and systems in commercial construction in the United States. The project received 61 of 61 points submitted (out of a possible 69). In only the first few months of operation, the building has saved much in energy costs; the Aldo Leopold Foundation has earned $650 by selling energy back to the local utility.

The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center is the first “net zero energy” building in Wisconsin and the first carbon neutral building certified by LEED. To achieve “net zero energy” performance, annual building energy demand is matched by the output of clean, renewable energy systems on site. The Center will produce approximately 115 percent of annual building energy needs.

The 12,000 square foot Legacy Center was completed in spring of 2007 and serves as a visitor center and headquarters for the Aldo Leopold Foundation. It was designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc.; construction management and LEED consultation were provided by The Boldt Company.