Airlie Conference Center’s Pavilion Awarded Prestigious LEED Gold Certification

WARRENTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Airlie Conference Center, a pioneer among sustainable and green conference centers in the U.S., has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED^®) Gold certification for its Pavilion. This significant milestone emphasizes a 50-plus year commitment to environmental initiatives that is central throughout all of Airlie’s operations.

“Environmental stewardship has been at the core of Airlie’s identity for more than fifty years, and, as this award makes clear, remains so today.”

LEED certification is an internationally recognized mark of excellence developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. It provides independent, third-party verification that a building has been designed and built using strategies in order to achieve high performance in key areas of human and environmental health. Such areas include sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental air quality.

The Airlie Pavilion’s extensive renovations in 2011 followed stringent LEED guidelines for green building design. The 2,800 square foot octagonal building features 360-degree views through retractable glass doors, allowing for an open-air feel year round. This versatile structure can be used for meetings and special events, and is the largest of the 17 conference areas on the Airlie campus.

“Airlie Center is honored to accept this prestigious LEED Gold designation,” said Kimberly Head, President of the Board of Directors for the Airlie Foundation. “Environmental stewardship has been at the core of Airlie’s identity for more than fifty years, and, as this award makes clear, remains so today.”

Airlie’s leadership position in environmental initiatives is a result of the company’s extensive efforts. In addition to reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste through recycling and composting, and utilizing eco-friendly products in all aspects of its operations, Airlie Center also produces and sources local foods. Additionally, Airlie Center stewards more than 1,200 acres of sensitive wildlife habitat and runs a series of programs dedicated to environmental education and policy each year.

About Airlie

Located one hour from Washington D.C. in Warrenton, Virginia, Airlie Center is a leading conference destination in the United States. Featuring diversified meeting facilities, a secluded 1,200 acre campus and an ongoing commitment to sustainable and green initiatives, Airlie Center serves professional groups in the non-profit, private and government sectors. Airlie Center holds Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s E3 (Environmental Excellence) designation and Green Seal ‘Silver’ status. The Center is also an active member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). For more information visit www.airlie.com.