DOWNTOWN TRANSIT STATION IN CHARLOTTESVILLE GETS LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATION AT GOLD LEVEL

US States News

The city of Charlottesville issued the following press release:

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded the City of Charlottesville's Downtown Transit Station (DTS) in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction (LEED-NC®) certification at the Gold level.

"Overall, buildings account for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. By designing and constructing this project to LEED® standards, the City of Charlottesville and its project team have demonstrated a strong commitment to the long-term goals of conserving energy and environmentally sustainable building practices," said Mike Mollica, the city's Capital Projects Coordinator.

The LEED® Green Building Rating System(TM) is a nationally accepted benchmark for evaluating sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere efficiency, material and resource selection and indoor environmental quality.

"This huge achievement is just the beginning as the City continues to keep environmental stewardship at the forefront of efforts to be a green city, an important component of the City Council's 2025 Vision. We are working toward achieving LEED® certification for other city projects, including the new Charlottesville Transit Operations Center at Avon Street, and are excited that our first formal commitment to integrating sustainability building practices into such a visible project has been so successful," said Kristel Riddervold, the city's Environmental Administrator.

The Downtown Transit Station earned this special recognition for numerous key design accomplishments. The building minimizes environmental impacts through site-related measures, affecting heating and cooling, energy and water use, and air quality. A "cool roof" system helps to offset the heat island effect by using materials that have high emittance and reflectance, resulting in a roof that stays cooler during peak summer temperatures, thereby reducing the building's need for "cooling energy". The DTS is designed to consume 40% less water than a conventional building, through landscaping, waterless urinals and hydro-powered flush valves.

Reduced operating costs are achieved through a geothermal heat pump system, where energy is generated by the earth's natural cycle of heating and cooling, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Initial capital costs are recovered in approximately seven years, and heating costs are reduced by between 30-70%.

In addition, the materials used in the construction of the DTS incorporate a recycled component, and local industry and businesses were supported by the use of regional materials.

The key LEED components in the facility are prominently displayed inside the DTS with permanent education panels that tell the story of the environmental, economic and social benefits of the site.

About USGBC

The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's leading coalition of 8,400 corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations working together to transform the way buildings are designed, built and operated. Green buildings are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.

Project Architect: WRT (Philadelphia, Pa) - www.wrtdesign.com

General Contractor: Daniel & Company, Inc (Richmond, VA) www.danielco.com

Owner: City of Charlottesville www.charlottesville.org.