When leaders of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn sat down to plan their new community center in Bensonhurst, they knew they wanted the building to be large enough to house the various programs they sponsor and also that they wanted the structure to make efficient use of be energy.

Their goal of ensuring that the community center, called Il Centro, would be an energy saver has certainly paid off for federation leaders. Il Centro, located at 8711 18th Ave., has won a Building Brooklyn Award from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.