LEED building brings AWARENESS.
I was lucky enough to be included on a tour organized by Southwestern Connecticut Green Building Council (SCTGBC) on the first commercial building in Fairfield County, Ct. to achieve Gold LEED Core & Shell certification. The Class A 150,000 square feet office space was completed in the summer of 2008.
The owners and developers Davis Marcus Partners of 40 Danbury Road in Wilton realized back in 2005 that sustainable design would work for this 33 acre parcel that was previously a corporate headquarters and huge parking lot adjacent to other commercial buildings.
The new concept was to create a campus linking the two existing building with a natural wooded park and picnic area created between the buildings. A structured parking garage was built on a smaller footprint allowing a re-claiming and enhancement of pre-existing wetlands. 
Native plants were used to limit the irrigation needs. Storm water management was implemented with 90% of storm water to be filtered and to reduce run off on the entire site.
The building itself has a number of energy saving technologies incorporate as well and building designs to be sustainable.
During construction materials were reused that were on site.
Separation and Recycling of construction waste. At project conclusion over 90% of waste was diverted.
Use local building materials from within a 500 mile radius.
White TPO roofing to enhance roof insulation and reduce heat island effect.
High e rated glass used
Lighting systems with occupancy sensors and dimming controls installed
High efficiency HVAC systems installed
CO2 sensors installed indoors to adjust fresh air ventilations levels.
Low to no VOC’s materials used indoors, paints, wall covering, carpets and adhesives.
Water efficient fixtures resulting in a reduction of water use by 31%.
LEED enhancements.
Bicycles and showers facilities
Shuttle bus to Metro-North
Recreation areas provided.
Recycling bins for all tenants.
Using environmentally friendly cleaning products.
No smoking inside, specific locations outside.
Educate new tenants.
Reduced energy costs by at least 10%
The Result.
~ The tenants at first were not aware of LEED but are now appreciating it. General feedback is if they ever need to expand or leave they will be looking for a LEED certified building to move into.
~ The employee’s are now AWARE of the benefit of LEED, sustainable building and lifestyle and are incorporating it into their personal lives and homes.
David Popoff is a license Realtor in Connecticut with William Raveis office in Darien. A life time resident of Fairfield County he has worked throughout lower Fairfield County and now resides in Darien, Ct since 2004.
- Member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, CAR.
- Member of the National Association of Realtors, NAR.
- David Popoff is an accredited LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Homes and USGBC member of the Connecticut chapter (CTGBC).
- Associate member and an accredited Certified Green Professional (CGP) of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the local chapter HBRA-Fairfield County, Ct. .
- Contact David Popoff for all your real estate needs in Darien, New Canaan, Rowayton and other parts of Connecticut.
Comments(3)