Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Certified
Projects
The following projects are or will
be evaluated for LEED Certification:
General
Services Administration (GSA) Federal Office Building
440,000 sf Office Complex
New Secure Facility in Downtown
Washington, DC LEED Certification – (Goal) Silver
University
of Maryland University College
Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
110,000 sf Building Addition
New Hotel and Conference Center LEED Certification – Silver
Sustainable Design
The main goal of sustainable design is to maximize the effectiveness
of a building within its function and to minimize the environmental
impact of the building as a compilation of building materials
and systems. The effect on natural resources occurs in four
phases: first, the harvesting, manufacturing, and transport
of the building materials: second, the construction and application
of materials: third, the operation and maintenance: fourth,
the demolition and disposal of the materials after their useful
life. All of these issues must be considered in the design process
to allow for maximizing the sustainability of the ultimate product.
To achieve
these goals, specific sustainable criteria need to be identified.
These items may include site criteria that will minimize storm
water run-off and improve or support the local ecosystem.
This can be achieved by such things as minimizing outdoor
lighting and utilizing naturalized landscaping. Energy can
be conserved by the design and construction of an overall
energy efficient building. This can be accomplished by utilizing
high performance windows, insulation, and high efficiency
lighting and motors. Other items include the use of salvaged
materials and minimizing the use of petroleum based materials
such as vinyl.
Sustainable design is not just a process. It is also a mindset.
The designer and builder must work together to reach the goal
of maximizing the function of the building while minimizing
the environmental impact of the building materials and systems.
