Occupants of Connecticut LEED-certified buildings are pleased with the performance of the energy and environmental-savings measures, along with the added recognition the program has brought.
“An important part of our creating an energy efficiency building and a LEED-certified building was to demonstrate what one looks like,” said Matt Fleury, president and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center.
The U.S. Green Building Council has certified 348 structures under its Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program since launching in 2000. Those buildings achieve either basic, silver, gold, or platinum certification levels based on how they are built and operate.
Because certification comes after construction is complete, USGBC and the building occupants already know what energy and environmental savings were achieved through the construction process with measures like using recycled materials. However, the energy savings are ongoing after the certification, so the environmental performance of the building may vary from what was expected.
The Phoenix Cos. has achieved its expected energy savings after certifying the renovation of its Boat Building headquarters in downtown Hartford as LEED silver. Utility expenses — electricity, chilled water, steam — were 53 percent lower from 2008 to 2012 than previous years, said Phoenix spokeswoman Alice Ericson.
Phoenix revamped its heating, ventilation and cooling system in the Boat Building from a single loop system that would run heating or cooling to both sides of the two-sided building, to a double loop system that could accommodate the temperature differences between the northern and southern halves of the building.
“The renovations were primarily cost savings strategies, but the new HVAC system in particular was also designed to make the building more comfortable,” Ericson said.
The Connecticut Science Center was certified LEED gold on Jan. 8, 2010 for both its construction and ongoing use of energy.
The science center uses a fuel cell from South Windsor manufacturer ClearEdge Power to provide 70 to 80 percent of the electrical needs of the building throughout the day. At night, when the science center is closed and its electrical needs are minimal, the 200-kilowatt fuel cell feeds power back onto the main electric grid.
“The fuel cell has operated with extraordinary reliability,” Fleury said. “It contributes to our standing as a green building.”
The higher gold certification level for the science center was achieved, in part, because the steel frame of the building is made from recycled automobile materials, which doesn’t contribute to the ongoing energy savings of the building but saved costs and helped the environment during the construction process.
“I often consider the number of cars that have found their way into this building,” Fleury said. “It is a fairly permanent solution compared to the average life of a car.”
The science center also lowered its environmental impact by putting in a rooftop garden, which helps insulate the building and limits rainwater runoff.
“In downtown Hartford right off the interstate, it has become a place where you will see a number of honeybees and butterflies,” Fleury said.
Wallingford construction consultant Burns & McDonnell moved locations in its hometown so it could operate out of a LEED certified building. The company’s 108 Leigus Road location was certified LEED gold on Jan. 22.
“We wanted to create a nice environment for our employees to work in,” said Carl James, office manager for Burns.
Since construction, the water fixtures in the building have saved Burns 30 percent on its water costs and the appliances have saved 25 percent on their energy use. The facility has sensors to shut off the lights whenever spaces are unoccupied.
In the design and building process, Burns emphasized use of recycled materials and having plenty of open space and natural light flowing into the facility.
“The open space encourages open communication and a really good office environment,” said Elise Holder, marketing specialist for Burns. “That has had the biggest impact.”
Holder said the previous Burns facility had high-cubicle walls and really gave off a cold, closed-in, gray feeling, which didn’t help when the company was courting potential clients for its construction business.
“Having this beautiful building is amazing because as a company, we build beautiful buildings all over the place,” Holder said. “Selling to clients is easier with this better space.”
