Sustainable Features
Site Design
- The site selected reclaimed an existing parking lot, restoring over 50% of it as vegetated space and dedicating it to open space;
- The site provided open space adjacent to the building that is equal to the building footprint;
- The asphalt-parking pavement was removed and reused as controlled fill for the foundations;
- Storm water runoff was reduced through such measures as silt fencing, inlet protection and a rock construction entrance. Site imperviousness decreased from 87% to 47%, from existing to developed conditions;
- High reflective roofing was used to reduce the heat island effect; and
- The site promotes the use of both alternative and public transportation. It is within a quarter mile of at least two bus stops, and there are numerous bicycle racks on the campus.
Conservation of Materials and Resources
- Construction waste was recycled;
- Over 50% of building materials contained recycled content;
- Celloboard plastic lumber made from 100% recycled plastic and wood was used in the construction; and
- Playground equipment is 90-100% post-consumer recycled content. The safety surface material is made from 75% recycled material.
Water Conservation
- Drought tolerant and native landscaping was used to eliminate the need for permanent irrigation
- Water efficient landscaping reduced run off by 50%.
Energy and Atmosphere
The following features yielded a 70% heat energy savings:
- Increased wall insulation;
- 7% increase in boiler efficiency; and
- Heat recovery ventilation.
Enhancement of Indoor Environmental Quality
- Increased ventilation effectiveness;
- Development of an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan;
- Chemical pollution source control;
- Temperature and humidity monitoring; and
- Increased daylight (98% of regularly occupied spaces have views).
LEED Scorecard
Photographs (click to enlarge)
Contact Information
For more information regarding this project, please contact Mr. John Morrell, 215-446-4614, john.morrell@gsa.gov.
