SEARCHLIGHT, NEV.—Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina on Lake Mohave has made history, becoming the world’s first floating green building to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Spearheaded by the National Park Service and Forever Resorts, LLC, the marina building opened June 2011, serving as the marina’s operations office.
From decking made of rice hulls to exterior stucco made of recycled tires, from the beginning, the marina was lauded for its use of green materials. The floating eco-friendly structure features sustainable modular construction and state-of-the-art energy-efficient and environmentally responsible materials and fixtures. Use of low- or no-volatile organic compound materials, paints and adhesives rid the building of the typical “new building” smell, improving the overall indoor air quality.
For commercial buildings and neighborhoods to earn LEED certification, a project must satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum 40 points on a 110-point LEED rating system scale. According to the USGBC, participation in the voluntary LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Reflection of Forever Resorts’ Commitment
“We, together with the National Park Service, are proud to have made history with this achievement,” says John Schoppmann, executive vice president, Forever Resorts. “This building embodies Forever Resorts’ company-wide commitment to embracing eco-friendly, sustainable business and public-private partnership principles.”
The project’s key earth-minded elements and commitments include the Forever Resorts Forever Earth Environmental Management System and a mix of new and existing programs:
• Green cleaning program throughout the resort;
• Green purchasing program;
• Energy and environmental education programs for boaters and community members;
• Extensive energy saving materials and systems, including high-performance insulated glass;
• Energy-efficient HVAC equipment and delivery systems;
• Extensive use of recycled and regionally extracted and manufactured materials, such as concrete, steel, drywall, metal studs and carpet;
• Finish materials, paints, adhesives, caulks and sealants that contain low or no volatile organic compounds to ensure healthy indoor air quality;
• Extensive natural daylight and views to the outdoors throughout, maximizing east/west orientation;
• Recycled and recyclable building and landscape materials; and
• Prevention of night sky pollution.
