Going green: CBP building to be environmentally friendly

Customs and Border Protection agents are known for their distinctive green uniforms. But soon their office will be going green, too.

The agency's new McAllen building, a $15 million project, is being designed by Austin-based TAG International with environmental concerns in mind.

That means the 75,000-square-foot project, set to open in April, will be built from lots of recycled materials and designed to use less energy and water than typical offices.

The building, on West Military Highway, has been designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — or LEED — certification.

The prestigious label has become something of a buzzword in architecture circles and indicates a building has less of an impact on the environment than conventional structures.

The LEED label is intended to promote environmentally friendly building design, construction and operations.

If the building does get LEED certification, it would join about 70 other projects in Texas that have also earned the title. But it would be the first building south of San Antonio to get the designation.

Jamie Crawley, the CBP building's project manager and designer, highlighted some of the building's green features.

Click the image at the right to find out more.

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Ryan Holeywell covers McAllen, PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.