Local Project Receives High Marks for Design

Environmental Building recognized by International Certification Program

Rancho Cucamonga, CA (June 23, 2010)- On May 21, 2010, the Frontier Project Foundation, in Rancho Cucamonga, received notification of receipt of the LEED Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Frontier Project Foundation, a non-profit organization established by the Cucamonga Valley Water District in 2005, constructed the Frontier Project: a one-acre site that includes a 14,000 square foot sustainable resource center, demonstration gardens, and an onsite water retention system. The mission of the Frontier Project is to demonstrate that sustainable design can be economic, efficient, and inviting. The USGBC’s recognition of the Project is confirmation the mission is already being achieved.

“The Frontier Project was constructed to be a community resource, where visitors can learn about new technologies and systems, and get ideas of things they can do at their home or their business to be better environmental stewards,” commented Foundation Chairman Randall James Reed. “The fact that we are receiving the LEED Platinum rating is a testament that our planning and design have created a project that is useful and beneficial: it demonstrates environmental efficiency in both its design and its function.”

The Frontier Project was completed in November 2009, and has since averaged 500 visitors per month, through tours, workshops, community events, and class field trips. The Frontier Project Foundation is a founding member of the USGBC-Inland Empire chapter, the local branch of the USGBC.

The LEED rating system was developed by the USGBC as an international green building certification framework for buildings (and homes) that are constructed, while taking a variety of environmental factors into consideration. There are four levels in the LEED rating system, and LEED Platinum - achieved by the Frontier Project - is the top level and most difficult to achieve. Out of a total of 62 points possible, the Frontier Project achieved 55 points, a feat only accomplished by 10 other buildings in California in the last few years. The Frontier Project received 55 points from a variety of categories, including the following:

· Sustainable Sites- site development, stormwater design, heat island effect;

· Water Efficiency- water efficient landscaping, water use reduction;

· Energy & Atmosphere- renewable energy use;

· Materials & Resources- construction waste management (75% diverted from a landfill), recycled content materials used, regional materials used;

· Indoor Environmental Quality- low-emitting materials, thermal comfort, daylight and views; and

· Innovation in Design- green cleaning procedures, green building education program.

“The Frontier Project award of LEED Platinum is a benchmark in the list of noteworthy contributions the project brings to its community,” commented Pasqual Gutierrez, AIA – Director of Architecture, HMC Architects. “An honorable recognition of achievement for its presentation of science and architecture with respect to our planets natural resources, the Frontier Project celebrates the beginning of a journey demonstrating the edge of what we know in sustainable strategies……Congratulations to The Frontier Project Board of Directors, and the consortium of collaborative professionals who contributed to the project for their efforts.”

The Frontier Project is open Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-3p.m. for self-guided tours. For guided or group tours, please call (909)944-6025. Upcoming workshops include: the Sustainable Saturday Series, sponsored by the Bank of America Foundation, on Saturday, July 10 and August 14; training in partnership with SCE’s Customer Technology Applications Center (CTAC) on July 8 and August 10. Visit www.frontierproject.org for more information. For more information about the USGBC and the LEED rating system, please visit www.usgbc.org.