It may look like an imposing black behemoth of metal and glass, but Consol Energy's new headquarters in Southpointe II in Cecil is actually quite "green."

Or, at least it's expected to be soon, as the company applies for certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Green Building Rating System.

The energy company's new 309,000-square-foot offices -- shaped like the corporate logo of a "C" with a smaller, stylized "E" -- will join a new branch of the Washington Federal Savings Bank as Washington County's first two green buildings constructed by for-profit companies.

The state Department of Environmental Protection built the county's first officially green building in the California Technology Park in 2003.

A nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of so-called green buildings, the LEED process of the U.S. Green Building Council awards "green" points for employing conservation techniques, such as the use of recycled materials, energy and water conservation, and encouraging alternative forms of transportation, such as bikes or buses.

Depending on the final score, buildings can be certified green, or possibly achieve a higher silver, gold or platinum rating.

Both companies expect their projects to be certified, with a possible silver rating for the bank.

Ground was broken recently on Valleybrook Road in Peters for the new Washington Federal branch -- a state-of-the-art building that will utilize everything from a rainwater recapture system to solar-reflective roof shingles.

Both buildings use forest stewardship-certified wood, from areas where trees are replenished at twice the rate they are harvested, along with other rapidly renewable resources.

They also provide preferred parking for employees who use hybrid vehicles, bikes, or carpools.

Recycled materials are used in the insulation, flooring and roofing, and nearly all of the construction waste is reused -- even the sawdust from the floors.

"Almost nothing from this project site will go to a landfill," said Vice President and regional bank Manager Michael Chaido from Washington Federal. "[Construction crews] sweep up the sawdust every night and bag it."

Both sites also are using other staples of green construction, such as low-lumen lighting and motion-activated sensors to control lighting and restroom fixtures.

The Consol building, completed in August and opened to about 500 employees on Labor Day weekend, also utilizes skylights and angled aluminum and solar shades to cut down on artificial lighting and electric costs.

That's somewhat surprising for a company that operates two of the highest-producing coal mines in the country, in an industry that supplies nearly half of the nation's electricity.

"Even though we're an energy company, we still feel that energy conservation is important," said Consol director of public relations Joe Cerenzia. "Not only is it beneficial for the environment, it's also beneficial financially -- it's just the right thing to do."

Consol engineers oversaw construction, which also included orienting the building to take advantage of northern light, and special controls that favor task lighting over general illumination.

"We had a hands-on role here," Mr. Cerenzia said.

Local suppliers and fabricators are being used at both sites, along with low-emission building materials for things such as caulking, paint and carpet adhesives.

The buildings are considered healthier for employees, especially those with allergies.

No formaldehyde or similar chemicals are used in construction, and increased ventilation is a major component in both buildings.

Consol uses multiple building zones to heat or cool occupied areas only, and the Washington Federal site will allow employees to control the air temperature in their immediate area.

The 3,600-square-foot branch, which will replace the bank's McMurray Towne Center location, is expected to be completed by December.

It will include a 600-gallon underground cistern that collects rainwater for use in landscaping, along with a children's play area, coffee station and plasma television screens.

Cooperation among subcontractors is vital because careful documentation is required and specific guidelines need to be followed for green certification, said George Johnson, project manager for Bear Construction.

"It forces you to work together as a team," Mr. Johnson said.

The contractor, like the bank, is cutting its "green" teeth on the Peters project.

The building will take advantage of its location next to the Arrowhead Trail and Brush Run Creek, Mr. Chaido said, and may possibly include a bird sanctuary or wildlife refuge.

"We wanted to keep a park-like setting," he said.

While the buildings will be energy efficient and save money in the long run, initial construction costs are approximately 5 to 10 percent higher than traditional construction.

Though certain conservation methods, like solar panels, are still considered cost prohibitive by some, the overall price of green construction has gone down significantly in recent years, due to increased awareness and more demand for green products.

Consol installed an irrigation system for a rooftop succulent garden that helps to retain heat and provides a serene spot for employees, who use the area as a break space.

Also for employees is a wellness center, complete with an array of exercise machines and plasma televisions.

"Part of our safety philosophy is preventative," Mr. Cerenzia said, noting that the headquarters also will serve as a corporate communications center for mine emergencies.

The four-story building includes a credit union, snack shops and Club Bistro II, a catering service and public restaurant operated by Tina and Bob Loutision.

It also features an atrium and mezzanine level with seating, and several multimedia classrooms for all employees, from executives to miners.

In a few months, the company plans to open a welcome center, which will include a coal mining museum and theater with a virtual mine tour simulator and interactive, touch-sensitive walls.