MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) praised recent renovations at the Potter League for Animals as a model of “green” design at a special ceremony earlier today.
Joined by Potter League Executive Director Christie Smith, Whitehouse was on hand to make official the news that the facility has been certified as the first LEED Gold certified building in the state, and the only animal shelter in the entire country to earn the coveted distinction.
“The Potter League for Animal’s Gold Level LEED certification puts Rhode Island at the forefront as we build a new, clean and green economy,” Whitehouse said.
The Potter League's new building has drawn rave reviews since opening in June. Photo by Sean Hennessy
As a Newport resident and a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Whitehouse is familiar with both green technologies and the Potter League, Newport County’s largest animal shelter and one of its most visible non-profits.
“Green design means that this is a more inviting and healthy place for everyone,” Smith said. “Utilizing these resources, we solved many of the challenging issues animal shelters normally face, such as disease control, inadequate ventilation, poor lighting, inefficient systems and high utility costs.”
Former Vice President and noted environmentalist Al Gore also lauded the building design in a letter presented to the shelter. “Not only do your achievements reflect your organization’s commitment to bettering the environment, but also your commitment to improving the lives of animals,” Gore wrote.
The Potter League used a range of strategies to improve the indoor environment, reduce site impact and improve water efficiency. Other sustainable features include:
- Plastic wainscoting made from soda and milk bottles;
- A floor made from recycled tires;
- Use of highly renewable radiata pine and bamboo;
- A storm water management system that captures 90 percent of storm water through a 15,000 gallon cistern, vegetated roof and permeable paved parking lot;
- Landscaping with native plant species;
- Low-flow toilets and faucets;
- High-tech HVAC system provides multiple air exchanges per hour in each room.
The vegetated roof is just one of the building's green features. Photo by Sean Hennessy.
The project was also recognized for recycling more than 75 percent of construction materials and demolition waste.
“The Potter League is about careful use of resources, reclamation, rehabilitation and second chances. We are about health and wellness. We are about kindness and positive outcomes. Early in the vision process for this new shelter, we knew we wanted to reflect all these values,” added Sheila Reilly, board president.
“The Potter League’s LEED Gold certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to reach further than ever before, and as the first Gold certified animal shelter in the county, the Potter League serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”
The Potter League’s Animal Care and Education Center was designed by ARQ Architects of Kittery, Maine and constructed by Behan Brothers of Middletown, Rhode Island at a cost of $8 million. The building was funded through generous individual contributions and grants from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust, Champlin Foundations, Rhode Island Foundation, and Prince Charitable Trusts.
The Potter League for Animals is a private, nonprofit humane society and animal shelter, founded in 1929. Each year, the Potter League provides compassionate care to 2,000 homeless, stray and lost animals while offering a diverse number of services to their human counterparts that include education and community outreach. Through programs and services, the hallmark of the Potter League for Animals is a legacy of healthy relationships between people and their animal companions in Newport County, Rhode Island.
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Newport, RI
