The FCNL General Committee urged maximum feasible use of "green architecture," which led to selecting our architect Burt Hill Kosar Rittlemann, a leader in this emerging field. Green strategies seek reduced impact on and off site, energy efficiency, green materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
The FCNL building was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification in August 2007. The following features make that possible:
A Vegetated Roof helps control rain runoff and decreases the building's contribution to the city's "heat island" effect - the increase in urban temperatures due to the absorption of heat in nonreflective materials and surfaces of most buildings. The roof is landscaped with low-maintenance sedum plants that don't require irrigation. The solid layer provides added insulation to the roof.
The south-facing glass-faced Light Scoop captures natural light on the roof and conveys it downward into three floors of the building's central core through glass block floors in the elevator lobby.
A highly efficient Geothermal Heating-Cooling System uses ten, 350-foot-deep wells drilled on the property. A non-fluorocarbon fluid circulates through a contained system in to the wells and then transfers its constant 55-degree temperature into the building's heating and cooling system.
Attractive and all-natural Bamboo Flooring is the most visible use of renewable material found throughout the building. The wood trim comes from certified "sustainable-harvested" beech and maple; and the acoustic ceiling tiles and carpets have high recycled content.
Energy-Efficient Windows, made of high-insulation, "low emissive" glass, allow bright clear light into the building while insulating against heat and cold. Since many of the windows can be opened, staff can enjoy the natural comfort of the temperate spring and fall climate.
Lifetime costs for operations and maintenance will be lower than those for the former building and for comparable to current constructions, primarily through more efficient heating and cooling, energy-efficient lighting, and a better insulation envelope. Durability of materials and design will make FCNL's reconstructed building, adjacent to congressional offices, a witness to environmental values for generations to come.
Other green design elements of the reconstructed building include:
- Exterior lighting designed to reduce light pollution
- Landscaping with low-maintenance indigenous plants (do not require a permanent irrigation system)
- Equipped for future roof installation of photovoltaic cells for solar-electric energy
- Interior spaces filled with daylight; outdoor views from 90 percent of the regularly occupied spaces
- Electric traction elevator uses less energy; has no hydraulic fluid
- Bicycle parking plus shower and changing room
- Low-flow toilets and water fixtures
- Materials and finishes have high durability and recycled content, or are made from rapidly renewable resources
- Materials manufactured or harvested largely within 500 miles of the site
- Natural materials with no volatile organic compounds or toxins
- "Green Guard Certified" furniture made of recyclable materials
- Diversion of 50 to 75 percent of demolition and construction waste to recycling, 5 to 10 percent of materials salvaged and reused
- Meets or exceeds national standards for thermal comfort, light levels, and energy use
- Electricity purchased from renewable energy sources
- Use of environmentally friendly cleaning and maintenance material and methods
The new building is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a major fault of the old structure. Major features include an access ramp to the front and side doors, an elevator to all floors with voice-annunciation system, and adequate width in all hallways and restrooms. |
