In this day and age, it really makes sense that companies are striving for LEED certifications when constructing new buildings.
The Saginaw-based architect firm
Wolgast Design Group, working with developers BGI South, did just that recently when building the new Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Annex building, located on Barnard Street in Saginaw. The two companies achieved Silver Certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program--more commonly known as LEED.
The new VA building received LEED Silver certification through sustainable design features and material selections such as recycled block used for the building exterior, recycled carpet and floor tile, white membrane roofing to minimize heat island effect, a recycling content storage room in the building, skylights throughout the building and draught resistant landscaping.
"The LEED process is quite a tedious, but worthwhile process," says Lynn Wolgast, of BGI South. "As developers and owners of all building types and uses, we always attempt to develop buildings that are efficient to operate and maintain, but hadn’t paid much attention to our waste streams. The LEED program requires special focus on these streams and the environmental aspect that comes with it while also requiring more emphasis on energy efficiency. The advent of LEED has caused the industry to build better buildings that are also more environmentally friendly."
This is the first LEED certified building that BGI South has been commissioned to develop.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Lynn Wolgast, BGI South
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