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As of yesterday afternoon, Bozeman city hall is officially LEED Silver Certified, the first city hall in the state to receive this certificate.

LEED EB certification, also known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings, covers everything from design to demolition to building maintenance.

The building was originally built back in 1980 to be used as Bozeman's library. When the building was reconstructed three years ago to become city hall, the city commission sought LEED certification.

"With the environmental considerations that we have, and the more efficient use of resources, the projection we have is in about 14.6 years any costs associated with the green status will be paid for, and after that we'll be able to recoup those savings," said James Goehrung, Bozeman's superintendent of facility services.

During the demolition phase, sheet rock was recycled and turned into gypsum, which was used as soil additives. All the concrete and bricks were crushed and used as fill material. Even the carpet was recycled.

Moving into the construction stage, the city tried to select materials that were local and sustainable.

Each room in city hall has sensors that automatically turn off the lights ten minutes after someone leaves the room. Even all the cleaning supplies used in teh building are green.