Vertical Expansion to be LEED Certified

Vertical Expansion – LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified
http://www.usgbc.org/

In April 2008, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine embarked on a major vertical expansion project that will add five floors and 95,000 square feet to the existing building.  The new space will expand patient clinics, classrooms, and offices, as well as Continuing Education and research facilities. When completed, the vertical expansion project will seek LEED certification and will include provisions to promote sustainability and environmental quality.  The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. 

The Tufts University School of Dental Medicine vertical expansion project seeks to meet LEED Certification standards in the following categories:

Sustainable Site:  The expansion project will be considered a ‘sustainable site’ because it is building upon a pre-existing site in an urban context and will not impact a new location.  In addition, the building is located adjacent to the subway system and the project will not provide additional parking spaces in order to encourage widespread use of public transportation.  The project will use light colored roofing and paving to minimize heat gain at the site. 

Water Efficiency: The project team hopes to reduce water usage throughout the building by 30% through utilization of water-efficient technology such as waterless urinals, dual flush toilets, metered faucets, and reduced irrigation. 

Energy Efficiency:  In order to minimize energy consumption, the building will employ high efficiency systems such as in-floor radiant heat and daylight sensors to control lighting.

Materials and Resources:  The project team will acquire local materials whenever possible to cut down on transportation costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as well as stimulate the local economy.  The team also anticipates using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood.  FSC is an international nonprofit organization that certifies forest products and allows consumers to choose products from socially and environmentally responsible forestry methods.  In addition, materials high in recycled content will be used wherever possible, such as ceiling tiles, flooring, and aluminum door & window frames.  The contractor has developed a waste management plan that will sort and divert all materials that can be recycled to further reduce project impact.

Indoor Environmental Quality: In addition to saving energy and environmental impact, LEED has developed standards to insure a healthy environment for the project’s users.  During and after   construction, an indoor air quality plan will be used to provide clean air for the end user.  Low emitting materials will be installed to minimize off-gassing at installation.  Users will be able to have enhanced control of temperature and lighting in their spaces.  Extensive exterior & interior glass is included to afford views to the outside and natural light in the majority of spaces.