“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “This honor really belongs to our entire development team including Klai Juba Architects, Cleo Design, DMAC Architecture, Development Management Associates, our general contractor, Pepper Construction and the city of Des Plaines” said Carlin. USGBC established LEED to encourage developers to design and construct buildings that protect and save precious resources, while also making good economic sense. Rivers Casino was designed with a sustainability plan to achieve LEED certification for energy, lighting, water and material use, as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable elements. Rivers Casino opened in July 2011 and has become the premier entertainment and gaming destination in the Chicagoland area. “Achieving LEED Gold was challenging and expensive, but in the long run, the effort will improve the environment and reduce our operating costs,” said Neil Bluhm, Chairman, Midwest Gaming and Entertainment, LLC. “It’s important to all of our team members that we are a good corporate citizen.” “We are proud to be recognized as a leader in sustainable development and we hope to set an example for the rest of the gaming and entertainment industries,” said Greg Carlin, CEO of Rivers Casino. Rivers Casino is the first casino in the world to achieve the LEED Gold certification. 15, 2012 – Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, the newest casino in the Chicagoland area, has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the U.S. RIVERS CASINO IS THE FIRST LEED® GOLD CERTIFIED CASINO IN THE WORLDĭes Plaines, Ill.

How much energy does a casino use