American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and The AEP Foundation have committed to investing an estimated $120 million over the next five years to demonstrate green building technologies and support development of public green spaces and environmental education as part of the company’s participation in the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The commitment was announced today at the 2007 CGI annual meeting in New York.

Through its commitment, AEP will invest at least $100 million in the next five years to build new or upgrade existing facilities using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building-rating system. AEP will design all new office and service center facilities to meet LEED standards for new construction and will retrofit existing facilities, wherever feasible, to meet LEED existing-building standards.

AEP´s commitment also includes contributions of approximately $13 million that have been approved by AEP and the AEP Foundation for AEP´s 11-state service area to create public green space and develop hands-on educational activities to promote awareness about energy conservation, environmental stewardship, climate change and other environmental issues. Additionally, AEP will initiate an educational campaign to encourage its more than 5.1 million customers and 20,000 employees to lower energy consumption, reduce solid waste and create fewer emissions.

Several Van Ness Feldman professionals, led by Shelley Fidler, assisted AEP to develop its commitment. The firm maintains active counseling practices with respect to green buildings, sustainable development, energy efficiency and climate change. 

View the press release from American Electric Power