Blue Cross recognized for its green buildling

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield's new 650,000-square-foot headquarters in Des Moines has been recognized as en elite green building. It has been awarded LEED platinum status by the U.S. Green Building Council, which creates a a rare international distinction for an Iowa building. The acronym stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and platinum is the highest level. The building was designed to save energy and promote the health of employees. Estimates are that the efficiency could trim $35 million from annual operating expenses.