13 Aug 2010
It may have angered Republicans, but plans to build a new Islamic community centre two blocks away from the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan could put a smile on the face of environmentalists after reports suggested the building would become America's first green mosque.
Writing on the influential website US website The Daily Beast yesterday, US author and environmental policy consultant Ibrahim Abdul-Matin revealed that the centre would be the first US mosque to be fully compliant with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
Abdul-Matin said the project, known originally as the Cordoba House project, has been rebranded as Park51 to reflect the centre's environmental credentials.
"The mosque (which is more accurately a community center with a prayer space) is located on Park Place in downtown Manhattan," [sic] he wrote, "but the new name also reflects a desire to emphasize the intricate (though widely unknown) connections between Islamic teachings and environmentalism."
The revelation could prompt a fresh bout of apoplexy among Republicans opposed to the proposed development.
Last week, plans for the mosque took another step forward when New York City’s Landmark Preservation Commission unanimously voted not to extend landmark status of the building on the site of the proposed project.
However, leading Republican commentators are continuing to wage a ferocious campaign against the project, arguing that the Islamic centre's close proximity to the location of the 9/11 attacks as insensitive.
Outspoken former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin recently crystalised the campaign against the mosque using her Twitter account. "Peace-seeking Muslims, pls understand, Ground Zero mosque is UNNECESSARY provocation; it stabs hearts. Pls reject it in interest of healing," [sic] she wrote.
Regardless of the controversy the development provides further evidence of the growing popularity of the LEED certification scheme, which requires developers to embrace high standards of energy and water efficiency, and encourages them to use sustainable building materials and renewable energy technologies.
According to the US Green Building Council, which runs the LEED scheme, there are now around 14,000 LEED certified projects in the US and 30 other countries and more than 140,000 LEED professional credential holders.
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WHAT DO YOU THINK? Add your comment
Jessica Needs A Clue
This is such a distressing issue for millions of Americans. The fact that the mosque is still being considered in this location demonstrates the insensitivity the builders have. It is not the government's position to oppose or condone the building of this "community centre". Religious freedom is a cornerstone of the United States. The responsibility lies on the shoulders of the community building it to have sense enough to build it elsewhere. This is not a sustainability issue, nor is it one belonging to a political party.
Posted by Ann LaGoy, 16 Aug 2010
You miss spoke
I believe that you miss spoke when you said, ?it may have angered Republicans?. I do believe that if you will look at the national polls, you will find that the majority of the Americans find it offensive to build the facility where it is planned.
Posted by Marshall, 16 Aug 2010
Report On the "green" Part of the Story
What does the political affiliation of those opposed to the construction of this building have on the fact that the "owner" wants to build a green building? Stick to the green aspect of the story and leave the politics to the experts!
Posted by 311ACR, 16 Aug 2010