The new Reliable Controls HQ was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 18th. The event was well attended by local dignitaries and individuals close to the project. The 8 million dollar annex to the existing Reliable Controls building is a targeted LEED Platinum facility that will be instrumental in showcasing Reliable Controls products. The origins of the new Reliable Controls HQ date back to a feasibility study conducted in June of 2008, and after completing schematic designs and submitting development permits, the shovels finally hit the dirt in April of 2011.

Flash forward to October 18th, 2012, and the building's official opening. With the threat of rain hanging over the freshly cleaned courtyard between the pre-existing North wing and new South wing, the opening ceremonies were moved into the North wing's recently vacated R&D area. Well over 100 invited VIPs and Reliable Controls personnel filled the cozy space to listen to master of ceremonies and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Tom Zaban, and the assembled guest speakers. Throughout the one hour ceremony a vivid portrayal of the green building movement was painted – from last century's pipe dream to today's necessity – with speakers often conveying a sense of urgency and proud ownership. To all in attendance, the new facility was framed as one small accomplishment toward a global retooling of the construction industry and ultimately a step toward reversing the wider act of unbridled consumerism.

After the official ribbon cutting ceremony, the attendees were divided into smaller groups and escorted by tour guides through the entire Reliable Controls facility, stopping at 13 LEED learning stations manned by experts in the pillars of green building techniques. LEED topics included an accounting of the targeted LEED credits in the arenas of Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Material and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Attendees came away from the event with a concrete understanding of the design and construction principles used to create the building and how the building's LEED status is verified by an independent third party. The following day saw a well-attended general Open House for family, friends, and neighbors. Going forward, the LEED learning stations will be the centerpieces in self-guided tours of the facility for parties interested in witnessing the green building movement first-hand.

For a comprehensive account of the new building, an overview of the Triple Bottom Line approach to green building, and the Reliable Controls HQ LEED scorecard, please visit... www.reliablecontrols.com/corporate/facility/