The Jackson Primary Center addition in Buckhead has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute, the structure’s designer, downtown Atlanta-based Richard Witteschiebe Hand, announced Wednesday in a news release. The 2-year-old addition was built by downtown Atlanta-based Winter Construction.

LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

The addition achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

Jackson Primary Center, which houses Jackson Elementary School’s kindergarten through second-grade students, consists of the original building, constructed in 1956, and the addition, which is two stories and 17,218 square feet.