The Barton Group Awarded Highest Honors from U.S. Green Building Council

February 04, 2009

Glens Falls, NY – The Barton Group joined with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in announcing today that Barton has been designated LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its corporate headquarters located in Glens Falls, NY. LEED Platinum is the highest rating under USGBC’s system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient and highest performing buildings. The Barton building represents the first Platinum certified building in Warren County, the seventh in New York State, and the 105th in the United States.

“This accomplishment is a validation of Barton’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental stewardship,” said Charles Bracken, Chairman of The Barton Group. “Our new headquarters illustrates the commitment of Barton to the residents of Glens Falls and the surrounding region and to thehealth and happiness of our employees.”

“There is no greater commitment private businesses can make than a commitment to protect our environment and precious natural reources,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., NYSERDA President and CEO. “NYSERDA is proud to have worked hand‐in‐hand with Barton to achieve their environmental accomplishments, which are equally shared by Governor David A. Paterson, who has laid out the most ambitious and achievable environmental goals in the country. By investing in energy‐efficient and sustainable new construction projects such as Barton, NYSERDA continues to fulfill its commitment to use innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energyand environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy.”

The new Barton headquarters is a complete renovation of a three‐story brick building dating from 1865. Improvements to the 16,000 square foot facility include a panelized green roof; a geothermal heating and cooling system; energy‐efficient windows; a raised floor system to allow for air distribution and electrical and network cabling; and a rainwater collection system. LEED Platinum designation was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project iself and the broader community. These features include:

• energy efficiency improvements that exceed New York State building code requirements by 49%;
• 100% wind‐power source for electricity;
• a geothermal well field to generate energy‐efficient heating and cooling;
• a vegetated green roof and storm water collection system that significantly enhances water conservation;
• parking spots set aside for bicycles and fuel‐efficient vehicles and special shower rooms to accommodate bicycle commuters’ changing needs;
• office furniture made from recycled materials;
• an indoor environment free of chemicals with state‐of‐the‐art ventilation and lighting systems.

Through NYSERDA’s New Construction Program, Barton qualified for $68,459 in financial incentives related to the building’s improved energy efficiency, green building practices, and green building certification. The New Construction Program offers technical support to building design teams and financial incentives to building owners to ffect a permanent transformation in the way buildings are designed and constructed.

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Barton project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

"The headquarters of The Barton Group is a shining LEED Platinum example of what corporations can do to address the impact that uildings have on our environment and our natural resources," said Tracie Hall, Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council New York Upstate Chapter. "From the preservation of a historic building to the inclusion of renewable energy, the building embodies the essence of sustainability and serves as a model for others to follow. The corporate commitment and involvement of key partners for design, construction, operations and maintenance, as well as the incentives afforded by NYSERDA, demonstrate that Barton has invested in a more sustainable future for the benefit of all." All aspects of the design‐build project, including the demolition, construction and architectural planning were undertaken by construction firm Bette & Cring. Construction began late in the fall of 2006 and Barton staff moved into their new headquarters in August 2007.

The Barton Group headquarters, designed by Mahota Associates, was a finalist in ED+C’s 2008 Excellence in Design Award in the Commercial, Office, Industrial, and Corporate Building Category.

About The Barton Group

The Barton Group is the parent company of Barton Mines Company, LLC, Virginia Abrasives Corporation, B‐L Holding Company and Barton International Inc. For 130 years Barton has been, and continues to be a major contributor to the North Country economy with 70 employees at its operations near North Creek and 5 employees at its offices in Glens Falls. Barton places a high value on environmental stewardship in everything it does from mining operations to the building which houes its employees.

For more information, please visit www.Barton.com.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation whose mandate is to use innovation and technology to solve some of New York’s most diffcult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State’s

CONTACT:

Sal Graven, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext 3331
sg2@nyserda.ny.gov

Joyce Wolf, The Barton Group 
518-615‐2022
jwolf@barton.com