ECTC On-Site Training Center Achieves LEED Gold Certification
The newly completed ECTC On-Site Training Center in Glendale, Kentucky, has reached an exciting milestone—LEED Gold certification. This achievement underscores the facility’s role as a model for sustainability and workforce development in the region.
A collaboration between Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) and Ford BlueOval/SK, the training center played a pivotal role in Ford's decision to establish its battery manufacturing facility in Kentucky. Designed and completed in just 18 months, the project aligned with the opening of BlueOval/SK’s manufacturing plant, ensuring that workforce training could begin without delay.
Achieving LEED Gold certification required a commitment to high-performance design. Key sustainable features include:
- Geothermal Heating & Cooling – Utilizing the earth’s natural temperature to reduce energy consumption.
- Solar PV Panels – Generating renewable energy to help power the facility.
- Water Conservation Measures – Low-flow fixtures that minimize water usage.
- Healthier Indoor Environments – Low- and no-VOC materials improving air quality for students and staff.
“Completing this project within an accelerated timeline while meeting rigorous sustainability standards is a testament to the dedication of the entire team,” said Chad Gallas, AIA, partner at Omni Architects, who led the design effort. “This facility not only provides essential workforce training but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable building practices in the region.”
More than just a training center, this facility represents a strategic investment in Kentucky's workforce and its role in the electric vehicle industry. By preparing skilled workers for careers in advanced manufacturing, the ECTC On-Site Training Center strengthens Kentucky’s position as a leader in battery production and sustainable development.
This project demonstrates how collaborative partnerships, forwar-thinking design, and environmental responsibility can drive both economic growth and innovation. With this success, Kentucky is setting the stage for future facilities that prioritize both community impact and sustainability.