Detroit, MI – January 5, 2009 (LAWFUEL) – AnnMarie Sanford, an attorney in Pepper Hamilton LLP’s Detroit office, has been qualified as a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the Green Building Certification Institute. The LEED AP program was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in conjunction with its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating Systems.
In becoming a LEED AP, Ms. Sanford joins a small group of attorneys – estimated to be fewer than 200 nationwide – who understand the significance of “green” building trends to the future of the building industry and have successfully sought accreditation in green building standards.
In obtaining her accreditation, Ms. Sanford focused on LEED-EB, the rating system developed for existing buildings. The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps building owners and operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs and systems upgrades.
Ms. Sanford is a member of Pepper Hamilton’s Environmental Practice Group and the firm’s Sustainability and Climate Change Team. She concentrates her practice on environmental regulatory issues and coordinating environmental due diligence activities in real estate and corporate transactions. Ms. Sanford graduated from Wayne State University Law School, and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Wayne State University.
Ms. Sanford is the third Pepper Hamilton lawyer to become a LEED AP. Vicki R. Harding, a partner in the firm’s Detroit office, was the first Michigan-based attorney to achieve that designation. In obtaining her accreditation, Ms. Harding focused on LEED-CI, the rating system developed for commercial interiors for tenants who want to obtain LEED certification of their leased premises. Hannah Dowd McPhelin, an associate in the firm’s Philadelphia office, focused her accreditation on LEED-NC, the rating system developed for new construction and major renovations.
The LEED Green Building Rating System promotes global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices by creating and implementing universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
LEED professional accreditation distinguishes professionals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate the integrated design process and streamline LEED certification. LEED APs have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System.
While more than 60,000 people have become LEED APs since the U.S. Green Building Council launched the professional accreditation program in 2001, based on the Green Building Certification Institute’s directory, it is estimated that fewer than 200 are attorneys.
More information about the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED rating systems is available at www.usgbc.org/leed.
About Pepper Hamilton
Pepper Hamilton LLP (www.pepperlaw.com) is a multi-practice law firm with more than 500 lawyers in seven states and the District of Columbia. The firm provides corporate, litigation and regulatory legal services to leading businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout the nation and the world. The firm was founded in 1890.
