Mixed-use project designed to be the highest LEED rated building in the world

Washington, D.C. – (June 13, 2007) - - - The design and development team for Independence Station, a $15 million, 57,000 square-foot mixed-use, development in downtown Independence, Oregon signed a Declaration of Energy Independence during the recent 18th annual Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington D.C. The team includes Aldeia Development, the project’s owner and developer; Johnson Controls, General Contractor and project manager; and Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects, the architect of record.

The Declaration is a ceremonial agreement that acknowledges Independence Station’s commitment to use only renewable sources of energy, primarily solar power and bio-fuels. The document was also signed by Christine Ervin, former head of the US Green Building council, who presented at the Energy Efficiency Forum. The signed document will be put on permanent display at Independence Station, which is the largest single project ever built in the Historic downtown district. Independence was recently named a finalist for the 2007 All America City award.

Upon its completion, in 2008, Independence Station is expected to achieve LEED platinum certification, the highest level of green building recognition attainable with 64 to 66 LEED points, making it the single highest scoring LEED rated building in the world. Among the project’s many sustainable design components are harvesting and re-use of rainwater; green roofs on two above ground decks; bio-fuelled co-generation system with thermal storage, and radiant floor heating and cooling systems in the residential units. The anticipated annual utility costs on the project will be 92% less than in a typical code compliant building of this size and type.

“At Independence Station, residents, businesses and visitors will experience what an intelligent sustainable building can really be,” said Steven Ribeiro of Aldeia LLC, owner/developer of Independence Station. ”A few pioneering people will have the opportunity to set an example for others, residing in this living building, powered primarily by vegetable oil and the sun.”

Ribeiro said that green buildings are gradually becoming more common, and that Oregon leads the nation in sustainable living. Until now, however, consumers seeking healthy and green living have had to locate within large urban centers or move to rural areas with no nearby amenities. Choosing to locate this landmark building in a historic small town is Ribeiro’s way of proving that this can and should be done everywhere.

“The developer of Independence Station is embarking on an exciting project to transform this historic community into one of the greenest in the world,” said Clay Nesler, vice president of global energy and sustainability of Johnson Controls’ building efficiency business.  “Independence Station has the potential to be an example for other, larger communities to follow in creating sustainable neighborhoods and districts.”

For additional information on the Independence Station project and Aldeia LLC, please visit www.aldeiadevelopment.com | www.independencestation.com

About the Team

Aldeia Development is committed to creating eco-friendly places that are designed to support the health and well-being of residents and visitors. All of our projects reduce dependence on fossil fuels through buildings that are powered entirely with renewable resources and pedestrian friendly planning that minimizes the need for automobile use. www.aldeiadevelopment.com

Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects (AMAA) mission is Design with Purpose: honoring our client’s goals and enhancing people’s lives. We are committed to sustainability principles that promote responsible design decisions and sound business strategies for our clients. www.amaa.com

Founded in 1885, Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. www.johnsoncontrols.com