The NFL YET - Hawaii in Nanakuli was built with many sustainable features in mind. The building is a candidate for a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council - the first YET to receive such a rating if all certification criteria are met. Here are some of the features of this YET site that may qualify it for LEED certification:
[Courtesy of Ron Nishihara - Trinity Management Group, LLC]
Transportation
1. Proximity to Bus Route
 The Nānākuli Youth Education Town is within a ½ mile of seven city bus stops. Taking the bus helps the environment because the burning gasoline and diesel fuel in cars and trucks causes greenhouse gases to enter the atmosphere where it can lead to global warming.
2. Bicycle Racks
 The weather in Hawaii is wonderful all year round, so why are we always stuck in cars? There are almost a million cars on O‘ahu alone, and it causes a lot of traffic! Bicycling to work or school helps us to get exercise and reduces our dependence on cars. There are racks that hold up to 20 bicycles at Nānākuli YET.
Water
3. Dual Flush Toilets and Waterless Urinals
 Of all the water on the planet, did you know 97% is salt water, 2% is frozen and only 1% that can be used to drink, bathe and water plants? Since Hawaii is an island, our fresh water is even more precious.
 The water-saving toilets at YET have two lever positions, up for #1 (1.1 gal/flush) and down for #2 (1.6 gal/flush)! Waterless urinals are cutting - edge plumbing technology -- not many buildings in Hawaii have them. They save an average of 45,000 gallons of water per unit per year. How much is that? That would be like leaving the shower on for 13 days straight!
4. Water Catchment System
The water for the plants around the building will be provided by a 15,000 gallon rainwater catchment system. This will reduce the use of potable (drinking) water for landscaping. In times of drought, the system will be capable of linking to the municipal water supply. The garden and landscaping will feature native Hawaiian plants. They are better suited to the climate than imported species and need less water.
Energy
Where does most of our energy come from today? if you said “fossil fuels,” you’re right – the leftover deposits from ancient plants and animals. Unfortunately, burning them produces polluting gases that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere. They will also run out someday. Lucky for us, clean renewable energy like solar, wave, and wind power are available everywhere in Hawaii.
Solar electric system
5. Direct Current (DC) Lighting
The lighting in three offices operates on direct current electricity that is being converted from sunlight by the photovoltaic panels on the roof. When there is insufficient sunlight, an inverter will convert alternating current (AC) to DC.
6. Dashboard
The system also has an interactive data logging system to monitor weather condition and power output. This information will be displayed on a web-based interactive dashboard.
7. Compact Fluorescent Lamps
 You have some of these newer light bulbs in your house! They use 75% less energy and last many times longer than a regular (incandescent) light bulb but are just as bright.
8. LED Exit Signs
 These signs use special light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are cooler in temperature and up to 25 times more efficient than conventional light bulbs. LEDs can last up to ten years.
9. Occupancy motion sensors
Sometimes we all forget to turn off the lights when we leave a room. Motion sensors for lights can help – they can sense whether anyone is around. The infrared sensor also ‘knows’ when to trigger a shut-off signal. This can save a lot of energy wasted on lighting empty rooms.
10. Daylighting
Bringing more daylight indoors has definite benefits for well-being and a better environment for schools and offices. At least 75% of the regularly occupied spaces in this building meet a minimum threshold amount of natural lighting. And using the sun’s energy for light is free!
11. Energy Star Appliances
Did you know that your refrigerator and cooking range can use up to 15% of household electricity? The cooking range and refrigerator here are ENERGY STAR rated appliances. That means the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies that they are 30% or more energy efficient than other models – so we’re saving money and producing less greenhouse gases.
Sustainable Materials
12. Coral Walls
Did you notice how the light colored rock wall really seems to “match” the area? The rock walls around the perimeter were quarried on site from local coral that was recovered during the site excavation. This is sustainable because the rock was originally supposed to been taken to the landfill and other rocks trucked in. The walls are 100% home grown!
13. Pervious paving
Have you ever walked barefoot on black asphalt on a summer day? Ouch! Dark asphalt and roads can cause “heat island effect,” where temperatures can be as much as an extra 10 degrees higher. Normal pavement doesn’t let water go back into the ground where it can refill our drinking water supply. Most of the walkways and the driveway here are made of a crushed light gray colored coral.
14. Recycled Carpet
The carpet contains 38% recycled material. This includes waste nylon from industrial processes that otherwise would have been thrown away. The company also has a take back” program where users can have their carpet recycled after it has worn out.
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