Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction has been awarded the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for the renovation of its office building at 860 State Road, Princeton NJ.

"What a journey this has been. From solar panels, to indoor air quality, from high efficient heating and cooling to low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) carpeting right down to the caulk and sealants, we are a better company for the experience" says Marc Brahaney, owner Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction.

LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Lasley Brahaney achieved LEED Certification for energy, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED Certified buildings save money for businesses, residences and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, employees and the larger community.

"With each new LEED-Certified Building, we get one step closer to USGBC's vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation. As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED Certification of Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction was based on a number of green design and construction features that have had a positive impact on both the project itself and the broader community. These features include:

Sustainable Sites

• Site did not require any additions or increased density.
• Site accessible by bus or bicycle and preferred parking provided for fuel efficient vehicles.
• Roof replaced and color changed from black to white reducing the heat island effect.
• All original lighting fixtures that had been hidden behind the false ceiling were reused.

Water Efficiency

• Landscaping designed to use plants that didn't need additional watering after the first year.
• Plumbing fixtures; dual flush toilets and restricted flow faucets reducing water use below maximums already required by building codes.

Energy and Atmosphere

• Installation of super high efficiency, two stage variable speed heating, ventilation & air conditioning units.
• Installation of energy star rated appliances.
• Instant hot water heater dispenser installed to provide hot water on demand, thereby limiting energy consumption.
• State of the art energy recovery ventilation system installed for fresh air and energy efficiency.
• Insulation is blown-in closed cell foam with higher R value than required by code.
• All single pane windows replaced New windows are operable and have double pane, low-e glass, solarex reflective tinting and thermally broken window frames to allow energy efficiency, natural light and cross ventilation for every work station.
• Movable louvered screens installed on the west wall to reduce glare and minimize solar heat gain in the summer.
• Motion and light sensor detectors installed on exterior, utility and unoccupied areas such as file storage, print room, bathroom, and kitchen.
• Commissioning Agent hired to verify a complete energy efficient building system.
• Automatic power shut-off system controlled by timer installed for all non-essential electrical equipment.
• Installation of 44 solar panel (photovoltaic) system on roof to supply maximum of 80% electrical energy needs (only allowed 80%). Each panel generating 224 kW totaling 9856 kW maximum.

Materials and Resources

• 84% of materials during gut rehab of building were recycled. Construction waste was broken down into 10 categories for recycling.
• Used recycled wood left over from other jobs where possible.
• 90% of building shell was reused.
• Exposed and polished the concrete floors to minimize material use.
• Installed locally manufactured, zero maintenance, recyclable, reflective siding.
• A storage and collection system developed for all recyclables produced during building occupancy.
• Tap water used for drinking water minimizing the use of plastic water bottles. Charcoal filters used on all drinking water sources to remove chlorinated taste.

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Indoor air flushed out and air tested to confirm air quality.
• Paints and other coating materials with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels used throughout.
• Original concrete flooring polished and sealed to reduce need for carpet.
• Doors, cabinetry and other products constructed with materials that do not contain urea-formaldehyde.
• New office furniture and area carpets are non-off gassing.

U.S. Green Building Council

The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 155,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 32,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 9.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries.

USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation. For more information, visit usgbc.org.