Convention Center LEED Certification Information

LEED - "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design"

"Environmentally responsible" seems to be the consensus when it comes to defining a green building. Beyond that, the basic LEED standard considers site sustainability, water efficiency, energy efficiency, content of materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovative design.

Eighty-five (85%) of LEED Certification comes through design process. From the demolition of Sweeney Center, 88% of the materials salvaged were recycled. Seventy-five percent, by weight, of the waste generated on the site during construction is being recycled.

There are many ways in which LEED credits are given, listed below are ways that we are earning these credits:

• The new building is being constructed on the former site.
• The parking garage is underground on the old site and not being developed on a new site.
• The proximity of the Transit Center to the Civic Center promotes public transportation and bicycle racks will be installed on the grounds of the new building which promotes alternative methods of transportation.
• Roofs of buildings naturally collect heat and create a micro-climate which produces heat within the area inside and surrounding the building. Our garden roof eliminates that micro-climate by providing a natural insulation which reduces the heat transmitted.
• Lighting occupancy sensors are placed throughout the storage rooms and restrooms. If no motion is detected within a set time period the lights are automatically turned off.
• We will have three 15,000 gallon water catchment tanks for landscaping irrigation which are set in the ground underneath the garage floor.
• A sophisticated CO2 monitoring system will be installed in the garage which will set off an alarm if the acceptable level of CO2 is exceeded, the exhaust system is activated.
• All of the exterior timber used for lentils, corbels, portals is certified. This means it was rescued from the Sierra Blanca forest fire.
• All paints used on the project contain the lowest VOC you can buy.
• Exterior walkways are made from brick pavers which are porous and absorb water to reduce run-off and, rather than concrete, and eliminate the micro-climate.
• There are three recycling areas located in the new building.
• To create a healthier working environment for staff, all office areas have natural some natural light.
• There are a number of skylights through out the public spaces, as well.
• Carpet throughout the building is "green".
• All cleaning products will be "green" as well.