American Public University System Launches “Green Building Blog” to Discuss Environmentally-Friendly Architectural Design and Sustainability Issues

Graduate Student Documents Construction of Energy-Efficient Academic Center, and Discusses LEED Certification and Other Environmental Related Topics

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Public University System (APUS) today announced the “APUS Green Building Blog,” a new environmental blog designed to document the construction of its energy-efficient academic center. The blog will discuss “green” building standards and other sustainability issues on its website, www.apus-green-building.com.

“Viewing the construction through a webcam will provide students and guests with additional insights to textbook learning and add real-world context to on-the-ground sustainability principles”

APUS is a regionally and nationally accredited, fully-online university system that operates through two universities, American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), and educates more than 59,300 adult learners worldwide.

Wesley Holmes, an Environmental Policy and Management graduate student at APU, will facilitate and lead the blog’s on-going conversation about the construction of the new building as part of a graduate research project.

“My graduate research project will examine the role of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation program in guiding the design and construction of the university’s Academic Center, as well as the program’s effect on both the immediate and long term performance of the building’s energy and hydrologic systems,” stated Mr. Holmes. The USGBC is a non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

In late November, a webcam will be placed on the academic center’s construction site allowing blog participants to view the progress of construction over the course of several months. “Viewing the construction through a webcam will provide students and guests with additional insights to textbook learning and add real-world context to on-the-ground sustainability principles,” added Mr. Holmes.

Additionally, the “APUS Green Building Blog” will address environmental policy; sustainable development; natural resource utilization; and responsible, community-oriented growth.

Dr. Carol Pollio, Program Director of Environmental Policy & Management, Environmental Studies, and Public Policy at APUS will be a contributor to the blog. With more than 30 years experience of Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, and Public Policy experience, Dr. Pollio will discuss how public policy and public-private partnerships can effectively help communities reuse land in a manner that benefits the economy, community, and the environment.

For more information about the Environmental Policy & and Management program at APUS, click here or visit www.apus.edu. Follow APUS on Facebook: AMU and APU.

About APUS Academic Center

The new academic and admissions building will be located in the heart of the Charles Town – Ranson “Commerce Corridor”, a former Brownfield of abandoned and under-utilized former industrial sites slated for new office and retail development. The new four story building will be constructed for LEED-certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as a “green” facility and built to standards set by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Some of the environmental features include highly efficient insulation and windows, lighting controls to manage energy use, a modern variable refrigerant HVAC system, and solar panels on the roof to provide a portion of the building’s energy requirements. When completed, the building will initially accommodate approximately 140 faculty and staff.

About American Public University System

American Public University System (APUS) includes American Public University and American Military University and educates more than 59,000 adult learners worldwide. APUS’s relevant curriculum, affordability and flexibility helps working adults pursue degrees in subjects ranging from homeland security to management and liberal arts. A university book grant provides course reading materials at no cost to eligible undergraduate students. For more information, visit www.apus.edu.