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Recycled Debris
Over the course of construction, extensive efforts were made to divert as much material from landfills as possible. As a result, approximately 91% of the waste generated on site has been recycled and diverted from landfills. That’s the equivalent of 63 fully loaded dump trucks full of debris.
- Metal materials were melted down and will be molded back into new metal items.
- Wood trims and doors were donated to Habitat for Humanity for use in restoration projects.
- Gypsum wallboard was ground into a soil fertilizer.
- Shipping palettes were ground into landscaping mulch.
- Sidewalks, foundations, curbs and other concrete were crushed and ground into a sub base that will be used on future road construction.
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Energy Efficiency
Daylight Harvesting: Careful architectural elements now maximize natural light in the building while maintaining indoor temperature regulation and reducing direct light glare. The new floorplan incorporates the strategic placement of windows, an open two-story atrium and translucent panels in harmony with other office components, like lower cubicle walls, so that light will be reflected evenly throughout the internal space. In a process called “daylight harvesting,” our artificial lighting use is reduced with fewer electric lights.
Reflective Roof: The original, traditional dark asphalt roof was replaced with new white roofing material over the majority of its surface. This highly reflective surface reduces the building’s Heat Island Effect.
Windows & Doors: All doors and windows were exchanged with energy-efficient replacements that were styled to replicate the building’s original designs.
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Storm Water Control
Pervious Pavement: The side parking lot was resurfaced with an innovative “green” material – pervious pavement. Pervious pavement, which is less condensed, is designed so that storm water can infiltrate through its surface into the soil below, allowing the water to be naturally filtered and pollutants removed. In contrast, when rain hits normal, impervious pavement, it is forced to run directly into nearby storm drains, along with associated surface pollutants, and then into streams and lakes. Comprised of concrete with larger pea gravel and a lower water-to-cement ratio, the new material allows storm water to seep into the ground, recharging groundwater and reducing storm water runoff.
Green Roof: The roof of the glass atrium features a vegetative roof comprised of layers of insulation, rubber, filter fabric, lightweight soil and low-maintenance plants. Some will grow to be a foot tall. By intercepting the solar radiation that would be readily absorbed by conventional roof surfaces, the plants minimize heat absorption and reduce the roof’s surface temperature. This new technology also offers exceptional storm water retention and absorption. Rainwater is captured and later released slowly through the plants.
Rain Garden: A new rain garden, planted behind the stair tower, helps filtrate on-site rain water run-off, reducing the amount entering storm drains that brings along surface pollutants.
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