Building Green
Building green can also mean saving some green. Our team is trained and experienced with respect to commissioning and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements. We work with clients to implement appropriate energy-efficient design and materials selection that is sensitive to budgets and long-term operating goals. We focus on providing solutions through green buildings that are good for the environment and provide immediate and long-term financial benefits for developers, building owners and occupants.
Tom Fennelly, Senior Vice President of Healthcare and Higher Education, serves on the Board of Directors of the Iowa chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and keeps our team apprised of the newest processes, and latest advancements. Six project managers are currently LEED accredited. By the end of 2008, 43% of our project management team will be LEED Accredited.
Internally, we strive to do our part to give back to the environment. Both Russell offices are equipped with overhead occupancy sensors on all overhead lights and switches. Our corporate office is also equipped with recycled carpeting and an energy efficient HVAC unit that automatically turns off at 6:00 p.m. every evening and remains off until 2:00 a.m. every morning. This unit also remains off on all weekends in order to conserve energy. We implement recycling programs and prohibit the use of harmful cleaning chemicals; only natural substances are used in the cleaning of our offices.
Our experience with green construction can be seen at James Van Allen Elementary School, the first LEED certified school in the state of Iowa.
James Van Allen Elementary shares a 60 acre site with a new junior high school and is situated on 30 acres of green space. The bank of translucent material that wraps the perimeter of the space can allow the gymnasium to be lit entirely by natural light. Additionally, clerestory windows admit glare-free lighting in classrooms and learning centers while artificial lights with sensors supplement natural daylighting when necessary. The use of a geo-thermal heat pump system, low e-glass, highly durable low maintenance building materials and high-recycle content products guarantee low operating costs, environmental responsibility and health benefits for its occupants throughout the building’s life cycle.
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