| Port Everglades Going Greener By Leading with a LEEDer |
As part of its commitment to consider environmental sustainability in its planning process, Port Everglades now has a staff architect who is accredited as a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional). Sari Berlin, a licensed architect with the Seaport Engineering & Construction Division of the Broward County Public Works and Transportation Department at Port Everglades, recently earned the LEED AP accreditation, which was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to set national environmental standards by recognizing performance in building construction. Accepted nationally, it is simply a "Green Building Rating System." LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. "As Port Everglades moves rapidly towards completion of its Master Plan Update, we hope to apply the knowledge that Sari brings during the construction or renovation of buildings at the Port," said Port Everglades Director Phillip C. Allen. "As custodians of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, Port Everglades remains steadfast in its dedication to careful and ecologically sound growth." Broward County government is a member of the USGBC and supports having LEED-accredited professionals across various divisions. The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of Broward County government. As one of South Florida's leading economic engines, Port Everglades is the gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports worldwide. It is among the fastest growing container ports in the United States, according to the PIERS import/export database. And, Port Everglades is South Florida's main seaport for receiving petroleum products including, gasoline and jet fuel. The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of Broward County government with operating revenues of approximately $117 million. It does not rely on local tax dollars for operations. The total value of economic activity at Port Everglades surpasses almost $17 billion. More than 188,000 Florida jobs are impacted by the Port, including 11,000 people who work for companies that provide direct services to Port Everglades. More information on Port Everglades, which is governed by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, is available on the Internet at www.broward.org/port, e-mailing PortEverglades@broward.org, or by calling 954-523-3404. |
11/2007
