New Joint FORSCOM/USARC HQ to be LEED Certified

By Renee Siemiet, Administrative Assistant

While many individuals reading this newsletter are familiar with the construction of the U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command Headquarters, many may still be surprised to know that this building will be “green”. 

Green building has been become increasingly popular for both its low-impact on the environment and its economical incentives. The joint headquarters for the U.S. Army Forces Command and the U.S. Army Reserve Command being built on Fort Bragg will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.  This will be the first of three articles outlining the certification process, existing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings on Fort Bragg, and the building of the FORSCOM/USARC headquarters. 

While building with sustainable materials has become increasingly popular, LEED certification and the U.S. Green Building Council has been in existence for over 15 years.   There are LEED criteria established for new construction of both office and residential spaces, schools, manufacturing facilities and even retail space.  Buildings meeting the LEED certification standards have lower recurring operating costs and have been proven to have increased benefits such as increased worker concentration and productivity, as well as providing a healthy working environment by setting standards for air quality and incorporating outside views and natural light. 

Over 15,000 companies belong to the U.S. Green Building Council and together, develop industry wide standards in design and construction for sustainable building practices. 

Project certification is credit-based, with projects earning points for environmentally conscious actions during the design, construction, and planned use of the building.  During the application for consideration, planners submit a worksheet outlining their use of recycled, regional, and renewable building materials, building methods, plans for thermal comfort of users, and their incorporation of outside views, low-maintenance landscaping, green space, and even providing special accommodations for those taking alternative transportation methods (bikes, carpools, and public transportation). The credit scoring system (example) for each certification level is flexible, projects must meet minimum point standards in a variety of categories to qualify – but the projects scores are based on their unique use of materials and space.   There are four LEED levels: Certified (requires 26 cumulative credits), Silver (requires 33 credits), Gold (requires 39 credits), and Platinum (requiring at least 52 credits).

Government entities are increasingly interested in occupying “green” buildings.  The USGBC has found that 26 percent of all LEED buildings are government owned or occupied.  LEED initiatives, including legislation, ordinances, policies or initiatives are found in 44 states: including 31 state governments, 34 counties, 12 federal agencies and 39 institutions of high education.  As of the first of March 2009, the federal government has completed 138 certified projects, with another 1,200 that are being considered for certification.  State and local governments across the U.S. account for over 560 certified projects of various levels and have another 3,800 being considered. 

In our next two newsletters, we will examine both the LEED certified buildings already in use on Fort Bragg and also the steps being taken to ensure certification for the FORSCOM/USARC Headquarters.

For more information on the U.S. Green Building Council or LEED certification, please contact the USGBC at 202-828-7422 or online at http://www.usgbc.org
Contact Renee Siemiet at rsiemiet@bracrtf.com.