Anderson McNeill, president of Charles Luck, said, "We are honored to receive LEED Gold Certification. Our associates and company as a whole have always been committed to honoring design and the environment, specifically. We look forward to continuing to pursue innovative strategies to optimize timeless sustainable initiatives that complement and enhance our design studios in Georgetown and locations in the mid-Atlantic."

The Charles Luck Georgetown Studio was designed with energy-saving heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and electrical fixtures and equipment. Additionally, water-efficient plumbing fixtures have been installed to support the high-performance goals of the space. Other features include collecting recyclables to divert from landfills, green housekeeping, which assures indoor air quality and limiting chemicals and waste, and collecting occupant feedback on thermal comfort to help improve conditions if needed. Charles Luck also now supports the generation of renewable energy.

Internationally recognized, the LEED rating system grants four levels of sustainability certification -- Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- providing a framework for identifying and implementing green building design, construction, operation and maintenance. In order to meet LEED requirements, new construction must take into account elements such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere (heating and cooling), indoor environmental quality and innovation in design.

The new 700-square-foot, two-story Georgetown Studio opened earlier this month at: 1111 34th Street, Washington, DC, on historic Cady's Alley. The space was built in the early 1900s.