Our tour of the facility, located at 1095 West League City Parkway, in League City was very informative.  Russ Gillaspia, Facilities Manager, provided us a 45-minute tour of the facility and pointed out numerous items relating to how the facility achieved its LEED Silver Rating.  This facility was rated in the "New Construction - Version 2.2" of the LEED Rating system and achieved an overall score of 33 out of 69 possible points.

Through careful consideration of the LEED requirements, the facility received various points in the Sustainable Sites category by selecting a location that -

• considered Development Density and Community Connectivity (SSc3)
• provides bicycle storage and changing rooms (SSc4.2)
• provides alternative transportation parking capacity (SSc4.4)

By reducing landscape watering by 50%, through the use of a 'drip system,' timers, and the planting of indigenous plants; and by reducing the water consumption of the various plumbing fixtures by 30%, through the use of automated/low flush systems, this building obtained 3-LEED credits in the Water Efficiency category (WEc1.1, 3.1, and 3.2).

Energy & Atmosphere credits were obtained by using energy efficient roof-top air conditioning units, coupled with variable air volume (VAV) boxes (a total of 32 units).  The VAV boxes serve approximately 3-office spaces each; thus, providing more individualized control to the building occupants.  While this is not necessarily a LEED Credit item, it does offer more controllability of the air conditioning system to the individuals that occupy the facility on a daily basis.  By optimizing energy performance, using environmentally safe refrigerants, and obtaining power to the facility using Green Power, they were able to obtain 5-LEED credits in this category.

During construction, the General Contractor ensured that a Construction Waste Management Plan was enforced.  Our Tour Guide also mentioned that representatives from the USGBC did come to the site at least twice, during construction, to ensure this plan was implemented.  This plan, coupled with the use of construction materials consisting of 10% recycled content and regional materials (building products within a 500-mile radius), the building obtained 6-LEED credits in the Materials & Resources category.

Indoor Environmental Quality was a key design element.  By implementing a Construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plan during construction and using low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings during the facility build-out; the indoor air quality is well above average for the 30,000 square foot facility.  The installation of carpet systems that were manufactured of low-emitting materials and the implementation of lighting system controls, through the use of occupancy sensors, this facility obtained 2-credits in this category. The glazing in the facility (and there's a lot of glass) was obtained from a window manufacturer in the Beaumont area. As a matter of fact, 90% of the spaces within the facility have views to the outside of the building. The overall credit count for this category was 8-credits.

In summary, we learned a lot about the design and construction process required to meet the USGBC requirements to design and build a Green Facility.  With proper planning, design, and construction process implementation, Green Building Construction can be accomplished.  This is a true-to-life case of a Win-Win Situation.  The environment wins and the occupants win.  Now, who wouldn't be proud to be a part of that?

Design Professionals/Construction Contractor

• Architect: TNRG Designs, LP; Scott McCarthy
• Structural Engineer: BGA Engineers, Inc.
• Civil Engineer: DevTex Engineering, LP
• MEP Engineer: H.M. McLeod Engineers
• Landscape Architect: Zac-Mex Landscaping; Uvaldo Garcia
• LEED AP - Keith Reihl, PE, LEED AP
• General Contractor: Construction Masters of Houston