While it seems that everyone is talking about "going green" these days. Miami-Dade County has been a clear leader in the environmental arena. Now, we are taking green to another level -- Silver.

This Friday, February 20, we will break ground on the County's first certified green building -- the GSA's Trade Shops at 3501 NW 46 Street, Miami, FL. It is the first County building certified by the U. S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building. The LEED Silver certification status means the new GSA Trade Shops will be more energy and water efficient, and built utilizing recycled and renewable materials.

The 100,000 square-foot facility will be the "greenest" building in Miami-Dade County. GSA Trade Shops will be the new home for more than 100 County employees serving as operations headquarters for GSA construction managers, carpenters, refrigeration/AC mechanics, painters, electricians and plumbing staff.

It is a significant milestone in the Green Upgrade Miami-Dade program. We are committed to building greener, recycling, preserving our natural resources and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Sincerely,

Mayor Carlos Alvarez