Animal Shelters Go Green

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2010-04-21 03:14:00 -0700
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Building an animal shelter is significantly more complicated than building, say, offices or the next Walmart. An animal shelter needs to be able to house a variety of species in a space that keeps them safe, minimizes stress, allows for easy sanitation, and prevents the spread of disease. Ideal shelters also provide stimulation for the animals and cater to human visitors by offering educational spaces and a welcoming place to view adoptable animals. It's a challenge, but it can be done, and it can be green.

The Potter League in Rhode Island recently became the first LEED Gold certified animal shelter in the U.S. (and the first building in the state to achieve Gold status!). The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is an internationally recognized program of the U.S. Green Building Council that certifies buildings based on a set of criteria judging environmental impact and principles of sustainability.

As The Potter League website says, "In an organization where compassion lives, The Potter League also believes we should be influential leaders to encourage green values and the wise stewardship of our natural resources." And, with their new shelter, they've done some pretty cool things to make that happen, like flooring made from recycled tires and plastic wall paneling made from recycled bottles. They also have an incredible storm water management system that captures 90 percent of storm water through a cistern, which will then be used to clean cages and flush toilets.

The environmental values have also led to a better life for the animals by putting an emphasis on natural lighting, fresh air ventilation, and native species landscaping. Former Vice President Al Gore praised the shelter for their commitment to bettering the environment and improving the lives of animals. For pictures of the shelter, check out The Potter League website.

Caring about animals and caring about the environment are a natural fit, and incorporating green building standards into new shelter construction is becoming a more common trend. The Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County has plans to become Florida's first green shelter. On their capital campaign web page, they say,"The animals aren't green, but they are recycled!"

Photo credit: nickton

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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