Art Omi is an international arts center for visual artists, writers, musicians, and dancers as well as the site for The Fields Sculpture Park. Art Omi is building a new visitor's center for the Sculpture Park, and contracted Bright Power to help design it green and achieve LEED certification.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. The Charles B. Benenson Visitor's Center & Gallery is an environmentally progressive, 4,200 square foot structure anticipating LEED certification. The building showcases state-of-the-art "green" systems, including a planted roof for reduction of heat load and management of roof water runoff, solar photovoltaic panels, and daylight sensors to adjust interior lighting levels. The design also includes operable windows for natural fresh air ventilation and makes use of recycled and locally-harvested materials. The sophisticated design of the building is a study in natural textures and innovative contemporary form with glass set against natural stone walls. Bright Power's LEED Accredited Professional consultants are working with f:t architecture + interiors to incorporate green building elements into the design and to facilitate the LEED certification process. Monday LEEDoff: Art Omi Visitors Center & Gallery, www.greenbuildingsnyc.org, 4/14/08 Omi International Picks Green Option, Indenews.com, 4/11/2008