REI Oklahoma recently completed construction on an eco-friendly complex in Durant. The building is part of a growing “green” movement in construction, and has received LEED® Silver Certification from U.S. Green Building Council Leadership (USGBC). REI Oklahoma partnered with ECO Potential, Mid-Plains Construction and Kinslow, Keith & Todd in the development of the building. All were recently recognized for their leadership in the green building movement at an open house event.
“REI Oklahoma is pleased to be a part of the green building movement, which is an opportunity to create a healthy work environment in our area, reducing the need for non-sustainable and expensive resources,” said Scott Dewald, REI Oklahoma President & CEO. “The building further enhances REI Oklahoma’s Commercial Facilities Program, which offers workspace for many types of start-up or expanding businesses and organizations.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification is based on factors such as energy savings, fresh air preservation, water savings, indoor air quality and sustainably sourced materials. This is REI Oklahoma’s first LEED-certified building and is the first LEED building in the southern part of the state. LEED-certified buildings are designed to lower operating costs, increase asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and provide a healthier work environment for occupants as well as other benefits for communities.
The building is occupied by the Choctaw Nation’s School of Choctaw Language. Housing distance learning equipment, an interactive meeting center, training areas and a bookstore, the school utilizes the structure to preserve and perpetuate the Choctaw language and culture.
“The Choctaw Nation has been a leader in endeavors to ‘GO GREEN’, including the recycling center and conservation efforts,” said Chief Gregory E. Pyle. “Housing our School of Choctaw Language in a LEED-certified facility is something we are very happy about, as it is a great way to show we care about preserving the environment!”
The school oversees language courses in 32 public schools within the Choctaw Nation, and partners with Southeastern Oklahoma State University to offer 18 hours of Choctaw language courses, available for world language credit.
During construction, a waste management plan was implemented diverting 80% of construction waste from landfills by recycling and reusing leftover building materials. High efficiency toilets and faucets use 36% less water indoors every year. The building was designed to maximize natural lighting reducing the need for electricity, and it creates a pleasant work environment. 41% of the building materials came from within 500 miles of the project, keeping nearly half the project local.
“With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC’s vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, REI Oklahoma’s LEED Silver project is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement.”
From site development, water savings and energy efficiency to materials selection and indoor environmental quality, the building was designed to make a positive impact on the health, comfort and well-being of its occupants and the public.
Headquartered in Durant, REI Oklahoma expands economic opportunities for Oklahomans by providing flexible financing and development services to individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs with limited access to resources. REI Business Lending collaborates closely with local lenders to help entrepreneurs navigate through business lending resources and programs. For women-owned businesses and minority-owned enterprises, REI Women’s Business Center and REI Native American Business Centers offer unique training, as well as technical assistance and access to capital. Additionally, REI Down Payment Assistance provides support to potential homeowners. REI New Markets Investment, LLC allows REI Oklahoma to attract new investments into Oklahoma and create needed jobs in underserved communities.