MINDEN, NV — Renovation of the historic Bently Farmers Bank Building in Minden, Nevada, has been awarded LEED Platinum certification under the LEED for Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors rating system. It is the only building in the state to certify LEED Platinum under this rating system.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.

USGBC is committed to a sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. The organization works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.

The project’s general contractor, Miles Construction, along with JP Copoulos Architect and Nichols Booth Architects, completed restoration of the Bently Farmers Bank Building with attention to sustainable construction techniques, water and energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Originally built more than a century ago, today the exterior preserves the structure and many of the historic details that inspired confidence among the bank’s customers for generations, while its interior is now a contemporary, green building space recognized for the environmental care used in its design and construction.

When Christopher Bently, CEO of Bently Enterprises, initiated the Farmers Bank historic preservation and renovation project, he insisted on creating modern interiors that were environmentally friendly.

“I strongly believe in the importance of preserving our country’s architectural heritage. A disposable world just won’t do,” Bently said. “I want every Bently Enterprises project to support public health, the health of the people who work here and the environment through green building and operating practices.

“As an avid supporter of this community, preservation and the environment we live in, I value and respect the LEED rating system and this Platinum certification,” Bently said.

To receive LEED Platinum certification, the project met stringent requirements for sustainability and efficiency.

“The building relies on large windows and a series of rooftop light wells to bring in natural light to the work environment wherever possible,” Cary Richardson, Vice President and Senior Project Manager for Miles Construction said.

“We also constructed ground-source heat wells that replace traditional heating and air-conditioning systems and ensure a consistent temperature year-round, at low cost and without depleting natural resources,” Richardson said.

In addition, the project uses a photovoltaic solar array to generate electricity, which saves 62 percent of the energy cost for a building of this size. It incorporates environmentally friendly paints, wooden floors and uses non-toxic janitorial supplies to maintain indoor environmental quality.

“Transforming our buildings and spaces happens one project at a time. The entire Bently Farmers Bank Building renovation team understands the value of LEED and has shown extraordinary leadership in reshaping the market,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO, USGBC. “The success of LEED is due to the partnership and support of those committed to advancing green building and sustainability. Each new LEED certification brings us one step closer to revolutionizing the spaces where we live, learn, work and play.”

The Bently Farmers Bank renovation project has also received a Merit Award from the Nevada chapter of the American Institute of Architects, LEED Project of the Year from USGBC Nevada, the Summit Award for 2014 Best Redevelopment/Re-Use Project, and the project has been recognized by the Douglas County Historical Society.

The Bently Farmers Bank Building is located at 1597 Esmeralda Avenue in Minden, Nevada, and serves as the flagship office of Bently Enterprises, LLC.