Wells Fargo accepts LEED certifications for 2 uptown buildings

Wells Fargo accepted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications for Duke Energy Center and Three Wells Fargo Center during a ceremony Wednesday.

Wells Fargo owns the two uptown Charlotte towers, which were awarded LEED operations-and-maintenance certification for existing buildings.

The buildings received the certifications in August. Under a program of the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certifications are granted to "green" homes, neighborhoods and buildings. Certifications come in four levels: certified, silver, gold and -- the highest -- platinum.

Duke Energy Center was awarded platinum certification after receiving 81 of 110 possible points. Three Wells Fargo Center was awarded gold certification after receiving 60 points.

Wells Fargo has offices in Three Wells Fargo Center. The bank also has offices in Duke Energy Center, which is the headquarters for Duke Energy. Three Wells Fargo was built in 1999; Duke Energy Center, 2009.

It's not the only LEED certifications for the buildings. Duke Energy Center has other platinum certifications, and the Wells Fargo history museum in Three Wells Fargo Center has a gold certification that applies to its interior.

Emily Scofield, executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council's North Carolina chapter, said Wednesday the Duke Energy Center's three platinum LEED certifications make it "one of the most decorated" LEED buildings in the world. She said the state has had 568 properties certified since LEED was launched in 2000.

Wells Fargo accepted the awards at 2:30 p.m. at the Duke Energy Center.