The World of Coke is more than just a good place to grab a strange-tasting soda from a remote part of the globe.

The downtown Atlanta attraction also has been certified environmentally friendly by a Washington, D.C., group that promotes the development of green buildings, the Coca-Cola Co. announced Wednesday.

Brant Sanderlin/AJC Staff (ENLARGE)

Kathie Nario from Key Largo, FL takes a photo in the Coca-Cola Loft also known as the pre-show room at the New World of Coca-Cola grand opening May 24, 2007 in downtown Atlanta.

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The World of Coke, a celebration of Coke's history and global brands, opened in May 2007. The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the World of Coke building a gold rating, the second-highest certification.

The World of Coke has a host of features that earned it points. It uses 40 percent less water than standard buildings because of special faucets and water fixtures. About 20 percent of the construction materials were recycled or environmentally friendly.

Almost 90 percent of construction waste was salvaged, reused or recycled. The cups in the "Taste It" lounge, an area that offers visitors beverages from around the world, are even made from fully compostable cornstarch.

"The World of Coca-Cola is a physical embodiment of the values of the Coca-Cola Co.," said Greg Koch, Coca-Cola's director of global water stewardship, in a release. "Every aspect of the design, construction and operation was carefully planned to reflect our commitment to the environment. "