Local animal shelter goes green

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A local animal shelter is greening up its thumb and helping out the environment.

The Potter League for Animals has a brand new building, and it's going green from the top down. Christie Smith, Executive Director at the Potter League for Animals, expects the roof garden to absorb a lot of sunshine this summer and slash their cooling bills. It will also save water.

Smith says, "The animal business uses a lot of water, we have a lot of cleaning to do every day."

With the help of this slanted roof, the garden will drain any excess rain water into a 15 thousand gallon system. After treatment, pumps send to water back into the building, free of charge.

Aside from their drinking water, it's expected to provide all of the building’s demands, provided they get enough rain. Even in dry spells, the plants up on the roof are drought resistant, so no sprinklers will be needed.

The building is in the final stages of obtaining the Leed Gold Certification. That's the highest level of recognition from the U.S. green building council.