Ada County's vision as outlined in the Annual Strategic Plan for Energy Conservation and Resource Use states:

Over the next year and into the future, Ada County will use cost-effective strategies to meet the demands of increasing population and of higher energy costs. Ada County will continue to develop creative methods for controlling utility costs to save tax dollars and to make energy and resource efficiency a cost-effective part of day-to-day business.

• Boise's naturally renewable geothermal water is used to heat the building.
• Day lighting measures provide direct or indirect light to over 95% of workspaces.
• Efficient T-8 fluorescent lighting and compact fluorescent lights help reduce energy use.

As a result, the building uses 40% less electricity per square foot than similar sized buildings in Boise. The building also earned an ENERGY STAR in 2004 for its efficient use of energy.

Storm water from the courthouse property is cleaned, filtered, and drained into the pond at Julia Davis Park where it is used for wildlife and recreational purposes. An on-site storm drainage system removes pollutants from the storm water and protects water quality.

Water fixtures are low-flow and help conserve water.

Salvaged items such as refurbished courtroom benches were used in furnishing the new courthouse. Remodeling projects require a minimum of 10% of the materials, such as ceiling tiles, be salvaged. Construction material that is not reusable, such as metal studs, is recycled.

An extensive recycling program diverts over 40% of the waste material generated at the courthouse. Recycled wastes include paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard, wood pallets, aluminum cans, and printer cartridges.

The building has an indoor air quality plan, designed to provide a constant supply of fresh air to the building occupants. This plan includes standards for equipment maintenance, ventilation rates, and air filtration systems.

The county developed a Janitorial Service Agreement that specifies use of Green Seal standard cleaning products. These products are less toxic to the environment and have lower volatile organic compound emissions than conventional products, thereby protecting air quality.

Contact Selena O'Neal at (208) 287-7100.

Information on this Web page represents examples of projects undertaken by the organizations only and does not constitute Departmental certification or approval of compliance at this or any other time with federal, state and/or local regulations, but is solely presented as an example of projects undertaken by organizations in order to prevent pollution and/or conserve resources.