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TDC Takes the LEED Initiative to Go Green
May 2009 Issue
TDC is going GREEN with the construction of its new LEED Certified Office Building expected to begin this June. The building will be LEED Certified which ensures that the project meets the main green building and performance measures. This project will enable The Development Corporation to take a leadership role in promoting energy efficient construction methods and environmentally friendly design in future projects,” stated Keith Matott, TDC’s Facility and Project Manager.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a nationally accepted certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, www.usgbc.org. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by measuring how well a building or community performs across pre-determined metrics which include: energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and appropriate use of resources with utmost sensitivity to their impacts.
TDC’s LEED Certified construction project includes the addition of 2,582 sf onto its existing 2,318 sf office building with the complete renovation of the existing interior. The project will incorporate sustainable green building and development practices by equipping the building with highly efficient windows and doors, extra insulation, an efficient heating and cooling system and by utilizing recycled materials where practical. These improvements will provide both environmental and financial benefits by lowering operating costs, conserving energy and water, reducing waste sent to landfills and, ultimately, offering a healthier and safer environment for TDC’s staff and visitors.
Sustainable building practices were considered very early in the development phase by TDC with Stantec as the project Architect. Stantec’s Joseph Donavan, Joseph Madden and Stephen Plunkard created a thoughtful and practical design concept that will dramatically improve the look and productivity of the building. Keith Matott, TDC’s Facilities and Project Manager, will oversee the LEED project on site with the guidance of Jim Nelson from Stantec. At the completion of the project, Matott will be better equipped to assist other local development projects with their LEED Certification process.
TDC’s Building and Real Estate Committee, chaired by area businessman David Merkel, has been instrumental in planning this expansion and renovation project. Matott stated, “I have enjoyed working with the committee. The group, comprised of local engineers, contractors, and business people has been involved from the beginning; working with the staff and the design team through a two day planning Charette, meeting several times through design development, and finally approving the final project. The breath of experience and expertise on the committee has been a benefit continuing to challenge me professionally.”
Construction of the addition is scheduled to be completed by late fall 2009.
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