FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Renovated Town Hall Consolidates Four Office Locations into One
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — The Woodlands Township Town Hall building recently earned a LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification is recognized as the premier mark of achievement in green building.
The U.S. Green Building Council uses the LEED certification system to rate building sustainability. The two-year certification process awards points in seven categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design and Regional Priority Credits. The total points awarded determines the level of certification: Certified (40 – 49 points), Silver (50 – 59 points), Gold (60 – 79 points) or Platinum (80 points or more). The Town Hall building is currently rated 62 points out of a possible 110, achieving the Gold level. LEED-certified buildings cost less to operate by reducing energy and water usage. Certification also increases the property value of the building.
“The LEED Gold certification is a credit to the design team of Kirksey Architects, Damon Palermo and Township staff,” said Township Assistant General Manager John Powers. “While this team was cognizant of the benefits of LEED principles, they were focused on the functionality and operations of the public building for high-quality resident services and employee performance. They were also focused on saving money through the re-use and re-purposing of the existing fixtures and materials, and energy efficiency for long-term savings to the taxpayers. Achieving a Gold rating is a welcome surprise.”
The Township purchased and renovated the Town Hall building, located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., to consolidate four different office locations into one facility, thereby reducing costs and increasing operational efficiencies. During the renovation, most of which occurred in 2011, the Township replaced outdated water fixtures with low-flow fixtures and auto-sensor lavatories. These fixtures save more than 40 percent of water use in comparison with typical office buildings.
Many existing light fixtures were re-used, and any new lighting was selected to be as energy efficient as possible. Over 75 percent of all computer equipment and appliances used throughout the building are Energy Star rated. The installation of HVAC systems and water heating systems were thoroughly inspected by an independent building efficiency agent to prevent energy inefficiencies. The majority (78 percent) of the construction debris generated during the renovation was diverted from the landfill. Doors, hardware, moveable partitions and cabinets were re-used from the existing building, saving money and natural resources. Low-emitting paints, adhesives, sealants, flooring and Green Guard Certified furniture were also used to ensure indoor air quality.
The Town Hall building is located at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381. For the latest news and information on The Woodlands Township government, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
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