July 22nd, 2009
According to a press release issued yesterday, the juggernaut USGBC just announced the Platinum certification of its new Washington D.C. headquarters in the Foggy Bottom district. It’s the first project to obtain certification under the latest version of LEED, and the two-level, 75,000 square foot space triples the size of the USGBC’s previous Platinum location. The light, airy, and modern design features a number of recognizable furniture pieces, and some of the following noteworthy green elements:
- Use of gumwood salvaged from the Tennessee River;
- Floor-to-ceiling glass windows for abundant natural lighting;
- Electronic window shade system to maximize natural light; and
- Performance Dashboard that displays the space’s performance.
The two-level gumwood paneling near the stairwell is incredible, what
with the USGBC logo carved into the wood. It gives the space a
dramatic look.
While the LEED scorecard indicates that the space didn’t do as well in the Materials & Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality sections of certification, the USGBC was able to grab all points towards Water Efficiency and all but one point towards the Energy & Atmosphere section. The design has an aggressive goal to reduce water use by 40% and energy use by 50% compared to a typical office.
The project team included architecture firm Envision Design, engineering firm GHT Limited Consulting Engineers, and construction firm James G. Davis Construction Corporation.
Photo credits: Eric Laignel.
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