| From wgba.org Case Studies Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Rating System (LEED) is the nationally accepted benchmark for the construction of energy efficient, high-performance commercial buildings.
The existing buildings must be at least two years old prior to application for LEED-EB. The owner performs a building and operations assessment to identify ways of improving operations and upgrading equipment to meet LEED-EB standards. Policies are then developed that define the owner’s operating intent for each EB category. Improvements are made and performance is carefully documented for a minimum period of three months. Certification is achieved after the operational data has been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Green Building Council.
PLANNING Design Build designed and constructed its office building in 1998. The company owns the building and occupies about two thirds of the office space, the rest is leased to business tenants. A number of green features were incorporated in the building design including abundant daylighting, outside views, lighting control systems that automatically sense the amount of available daylight, and a state-of-the-art HVAC system.
An interior remodel was undertaken to meet other LEED-EB requirements, including:
“Over $1million in materials was purchased for the remodel project,” says Pientka. “Of these, about 70% met the definition of being alternative material. In fact, our performance was so strong in this category we were awarded the maximum number of points for this credit, plus an innovation credit.” “We also selected carpets, paints, and other interior finishes that don’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” adds Angie Addison, director of human resources for PLANNING Design Build. “Most of the new carpet, upholstery, cabinetry, and workstations we installed contain recycled content.”
Reducing Water Consumption Water conservation is becoming increasingly important as water demands rise and aquifer levels drop. By retrofitting restrooms with waterless urinals, low-flow faucets, and dual-flush toilets, PLANNING Design Build is conserving about 170,000 gallons of water every year.
PLANNING Design Build went one step further by installing a lawn irrigation system that monitors climatic conditions, including soil moisture. “The system makes intelligent decisions about when to water,” says Pientka. “This is leading-edge technology that will save us about 450,000 gallons/year. Payback is expected in about three years.”
Implementing a Green Cleaning Program An important operational change was implementing green cleaning. We have selected a janitorial service that only uses cleaning supplies that are healthy for both the janitorial workers and office employees. The cleaning service also uses “green” tools such as high-tech micro-fiber mops, high-efficiency filters in vacuum cleaners, and noise-reduced equipment.
Alternative Transportation PLANNING Design Build also received credits for proactively supporting alternative transportation by providing bike racks, changing rooms and showers, and reserved parking spaces for alternative fuel vehicles. “The goal is to reduce the environmental impacts of employees commuting to and from work,” says Pientka. “Preferred parking is one more way to encourage others to acquire vehicles that are high efficiency like hybrids, or use alternative fuels like E 85 or bio diesel.”
The Biggest ROI, “The feel of our space creates an energy and enthusiasm that is rare in today’s workplace,” says Addison. “Our high-quality environment results in a healthy and productive workplace, lowers absenteeism, and helps us with recruiting and employee retention. While we have not measured this in dollars and cents, we feel that the biggest return on our investment is in the area of worker health and productivity. Working together with our tenants has also created a better sense of community within our building, where a common bond everyone shares is a commitment to sustainability.”
PLANNING Design Build's Project Team: Bill Rattunde – LEED- AP for the project Betsy Braun Laurie Nelson Dan Dehnert Mike Olson Cindy Howery Cheryl Schmidt Brian Gallagher Brian Dunn Ron O’Meara Matt Melton Robb Thole Jeff Eaton
Subcontractors: Ahern Fire Protection: Kent Hoffman
All Channel Electronics, Inc.: Craig Berkan / Dave Dubill
Atlas Carpet : Elizabeth Schrader:
Automation Arts, Inc.: Al Terry / Brad Theis AVI
Capital Millwork, Inc. Conrad Hendrickson Central Ceiling Systems, Inc. Steve Gotzion
Durkan Carpet Eric Halverson
E & A Enterprises Tom Engel
Emmons Buisiness Interiors, LLC Shirley Block
E & S Electric, Inc. Mike Eichorst
ESA - Environmental Systems Analysis Fitchburg Plumbing Inc. Tim Abney
Govert Telecom Services LLC Louis Govert
Hellenbrand Glass LLC James Haag
Hensen Manufacturing, Inc. Stu Escher
Hillcraft, Ltd. Debbie Peterson
Interface Carpet Steve Jende
Interstate Sawing Company Brett Bacci
JWC Building Specialties, Inc. George Keehn Kendell Doors / Brickson Shaw Jenny Holiday / Travis Pauley
Kiedinger, Inc. Gene Kiedinger
Livesey Painting, Inc. Bill Reese Milliken Carpet Mike Janssen
Mobile Glass Inc. John Anderson Mort's Concrete, Inc. Kevin Mortimer
Nonn's Flooring, Inc. Jeff Nehmer
North American Mechanical, Inc. John Parker
Northland Door Systems Brian Palchik Rockweiler Insulation, Inc. Renee Wilson Schmelzer Paint Company Greg Wolf Shaw Builders, Inc. Greg Shaw Statz & Harrop Inc. Steve Hillebrand Steelcase Paula Roberts Sullivan Brothers, Inc. Jerry Sullivan Swayzee Products Tom Swayzee Target Commercial Interiors Mike Martin
Town & Country Electric, Inc. (Faith Technologies) Arden Parfitt
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