摘要：

The (RMI) is an entrepreneurial, non-profit, environmental think-tank located in Old Snowmass, Colorado. Within its 372 mheadquarters is a fishpond where turtles, frogs, carp and catfish swim yearround. Bougainvillea blossom under insulated skylights that cast a warm glow upon a profusion of grapevines and mango trees. Papayas, passion fruit and bananas are also harvested inside the RMI building despite the fact that the entire structure is situated at an elevation of 2,164 m, the outdoor growing season amounts to 52 days a year, midwinter cloudy spells last as long as a month and a half, and temperatures occasionally drop to -44°C. Yet the RMI has no central heating system and its monthly energy bill amounts to around five dollars. Layers of super-efficient insulation, heat-recovering ventilators and insulated windows help keep the building and its occupants warm all winter long. Most astonishing, however, is the fact that this building actually cost less to construct than a conventional structure its size and that the efficiencies that make it so cost-effective came from 1983 technologies that paid for themselves within ten months.Further north, in Minnesota, stands the (PEEC), a $5.3 million commercial and industrial facility. Currently, PEEC, which is a pilot project for the , is home to 20 manufacturing companies and office tenants. Features built into the 5,946 mbuilding include salvaged and recycled construction materials, wind and solar power sourcing, geo-exchange heating and cooling (heat pumps), active day lighting, a green roof, non-toxic low-emission wall coatings, and exterior storm water retention and treatment systems. Because of these efficiencies PEEC has won two design awards - including one from the . Interestingly, however, that's not why the building is in such high demand on the rental market. What draws clients to PEEC is the fact that it's less expensive to operate a business under its roof. According to the (BOMA), normal utility costs for a 5,946 mbuilding add up to around 20% of its annual operating budget. PEEC's annual utility bills amount to only $25,000 or about 5% of its annual operating budget. Furthermore, PEEC spends only 17% of its operating budget on repairs, security and ground maintenance, compared with the 23% that BOMA says is typical.

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