With five portable trailers insulating an overgrown headquarters built in 1976 Vegas PBS faced a greater challenge than simply updating their facilities to accommodate the federally mandated transition to digital broadcasting—it was time to move on, and move up.

During the past seven years Vegas PBS planned, campaigned and negotiated for $65.9 million needed to fund a new digital headquarters and purchase digital equipment, according to Vegas PBS General Manager Tom Axtell. On Monday July 16, a groundbreaking ceremony paid tribute to these efforts.

The facility is expected to be the first public or commercial television building to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, Axtell said. LEED is an independent rating system that evaluates sustainability in the construction of new buildings.

Axtell said that his station wanted to “future proof” their facilities from being outdated and set a precedent of increased environmental awareness in building construction. “We are going to set a standard for commercial and noncommercial construction and make a signature impact on the community,” he said.

The station anticipates saving 20% annually on energy costs by using geothermal wells to cool the water used in air conditioning. Other environmental friendly features include window designs that will enable daytime staff to work most of the year without needing to turn on an electrical light; cement parking lots to reduce heat island effects; extensive solar power; wood products from recycled forests; extensive water conservation techniques; and use of glues, wall and floor coverings derived from non toxic, agriculturally sustainable materials, Axtell said.

In addition to housing the Vegas PBS production facilities, the new 112,000 square foot site will host Clark County School District’s Virtual High School, as well as regional emergency response support systems.

Vegas PBS is planning a six program series about how to incorporate energy conservation into building planning. The series is scheduled to be released sometime around the expected completion of construction in October 2008.