FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

New American Academy of Neurology Headquarters Recognized for Green Building

MINNEAPOLIS – The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the world’s largest professional association of neurologists and the largest trade association in Minnesota, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Green Building Council has awarded the Academy’s new headquarters in Minneapolis with the coveted Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The AAN’s new headquarters, which opened in 2012, was the first office building to be constructed in the downtown area in over 10 years.

This recognition signifies that the Academy is a leader in the field and an active participant in the green building movement. Collectively, these participants contribute expertise to the design, construction, operations and maintenance of buildings and neighborhoods that save energy, use fewer resources, reduce pollution and contribute to healthier environments.

“The AAN and its leadership worked as a team with architects, contractors, builders, designers, and others throughout the development and construction process to meet the strict environmental criteria for the LEED award,” said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the AAN. “We are very excited and proud that our efforts and efficiencies have had—and will continue to have—a positive effect on our daily working environment and the larger local community in Minneapolis.”

Aspects of the construction process that contributed to the LEED designation include: Alternative transportation is supported by bicycle storage and changing room, close access to major bus and light rail lines, and use of existing parking ramp adjacent to the building.

Energy performance has been optimized through installation of efficient heating and cooling units and appliances, as well as use of motion detectors and zoned controls for lighting, reflective material on windows to reduce heat effect, and an abundance of natural lighting from large windows.

Green space is provided by the Sensory Garden and plantings, and permeable pavers capture water runoff.

Water use has been reduced through installation of low-flow fixtures and cooling evaporation units in the air conditioning.

LEED targets were achieved for use of recycled materials, construction materials made within 500 miles of the site, use of wood products from environmentally responsible forest management, and recycling or salvage of construction waste.

Indoor air quality management was maintained during and after construction through use of low emitting materials, including adhesives, sealants, paints, flooring, composite wood, and agrifiber products.

For more information about LEED certification, visit http://new.usgbc.org/about.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, concussion, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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