President Barack Obama has always been a champion for the green cause and has made the White House a rather sustainable place with the introduction of many eco friendly features.

Most notably this Summer the White House veggie garden a/k/a victory garden was all the news in that it was major step forward in promoting healthy and local eating. The media gobbled it up and when the news broke out it put the first lady at the head of the table.

Now the White House is making news again as it seeks LEED certification. Gaining this most notable recognition would mean the White House is on the cutting-edge of green building design.

White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) spokesperson, Christine Glunz, says the effort to get the White House to LEED certification includes energy and water systems as well as waste. She believes it is vital to consider toxicity and life-cycle when making purchases for facilities. CEQ is looking to reduce the carbon footprint of the White House by implementing computerized energy management systems, automatic light sensors that turn off in unoccupied rooms and low-flow water valves. Paints and sealers with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), biodegradable cleaners and recycled equipment will all be used by White House groundskeepers and engineers, according to a White House spokesperson. Window films that will lower UV rays and save energy will also be added.

Expect to hear more on the White House LEED certification in the coming weeks.

via Greener Buildings