Torrey Pines Institute sets new record by wining silver certification

Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, the 501(c) (3) research center dedicated to conducting basic research so as to advance the understanding of human disease and the improvement of human health, has achieved the silver award for becoming a green building but splendid in every aspect. It is to be noted that the $40 million facility commenced its journey in the month of January and the U.S. Green Building Council, in recent times, acknowledged it as one of the most environmentally friendly facilities in the country. The building complex was built by Suffolk Construction and was awarded silver certification under the council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program.

What is the value of the certification? Well, it is regarded as a benchmark in the realm of USA for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings that exhibit an environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place to work. Speaking on this Richard Houghten, president of the biotechnology institute, stated that the expenses essential to meet the council’s silver level are likely to be repaid in energy cost savings within three years, with the recurring savings continuing beyond that point.

“The end result is definitely paying off in terms in the way the building is, the way the building feels and the way the building smells, and energy savings, water usage and all that,” Houghten said. “Obviously everybody wants to do things for the environment, but it costs money and if you can’t get it back then there is a big barrier to doing the right thing,” he added. “But if you get the money back, and you continue to save year after year, than the path of doing the right thing for the environment is open for you.”

Suffolk Construction is delighted, without doubt, and its President and General Manager, Rex Kirby stated, the recognition affirms the company’s “commitment to building structures for our clients that conserve energy and are environmentally responsible in operations.”