VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia Natural Gas Lakeview Corporate Center has received the prestigious distinction of LEED certification for building the two-story brick and glass building in Virginia Beach into a "green" facility 24 percent more energy efficient than other buildings its size.

The accomplishment exemplifies the company's commitment to being good environmental stewards and leading the way in promoting wise energy use.

"We are excited to be awarded LEED certification," said Jodi Gidley, president, Virginia Natural Gas. "Protecting the environment by reducing our carbon footprint is a goal that aligns itself with our product. Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel with 45% less carbon emissions than coal and 30% less than oil."

Debuting in Nov. 2010, the approximately 32,500 square-foot building functions as the corporate headquarters of the natural gas company serving more than 275,000 customers.

Designed by H&A Architects & Engineers, the facility is located in the Lakeview Corporate Park near the city's central business district, off Independence Boulevard. The building, which was developed and constructed by Armada Hoffler, features numerous green building components including: an energy efficient natural gas HVAC system; low-flow fixtures; water efficient landscaping; a white roof; a reduced construction waste management program and reduction in light pollution.

"We are proud to have been involved with Virginia Natural Gas in building and developing this environmentally sustainable project and to contribute towards the "green" emphasis in Virginia Beach," said Tony Nero, president, Armada Hoffler.

The LEED program – short for, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – is the nation's preeminent green building rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Here's how VNG's Lakeview Corporate Center measured up:

• 24 percent more energy efficient than buildings of its size
• The use of natural gas as the primary fuel source for the multi-zone HVAC system reduces summer peak power demand by up to 82 percent
• Large expanses of high-efficiency glazing provides 93 percent of the facility's work stations with outside views
• High-efficiency, low-flow water fixtures provide 30 percent more water conservation
• Proximity 1/4 –mile from public transportation provides an alternate means of commuting to and from the facility

About Virginia Natural Gas

Virginia Natural Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), provides retail natural gas sales and distribution services to 275,000 customers in southeast Virginia.  For more information, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com.

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As an 85-percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates two high-deliverability natural gas storage facilities: Jefferson Island Storage & Hub near the Henry Hub in Louisiana and Golden Triangle Storage in Texas. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

SOURCE Virginia Natural Gas