Two prominent Madison organizations are in the planning stages of building new structures which will be environmentally friendly and could qualify for LEED certification.

Interlakes Community Action Partnership and Heartland Consumers Power District will build new offices that will be energy-efficient, use sustainable materials and have other features that could be result in one of five certification levels of LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

We applaud the two organizations for taking these important steps and making tremendous investments in Madison's future. Their foresight will pay off for many years to come.

Yet, for those of us who aren't building new structures, making energy-efficient decisions about older commercial buildings is more workable than we'd first believe.

In fact, in some ways, the greenest building may be the one that's already built. An older structure may have a number of the characteristics that LEED encourages in new buildings. With a few adjustments and improvements, an older building can be environmentally sound, too.

Many older buildings have large windows that let in light during the day, reducing the need for artificial light. Today's replacement windows are very energy-efficient, so the extra light comes without sacrificing heating or cooling costs.

Some historic buildings were built with overhangs or awnings that cut down on solar heat gain in the summer, while letting sunlight in during the cold winter months. Some buildings have double-hung windows that can let in fresh air when temperatures are moderate, providing a better work or living environment for tenants.

In places like downtown Madison, some older buildings share exterior walls with two other buildings, cutting down on heating and cooling costs. The attic probably needs new insulation, but that's likely a manageable expense.

Most of these suggestions are not only environmentally sound, but can save money as well. We can all take a cue from ICAP and Heartland and be good stewards of the environment.