High Performing Buildings - Fall 2009 - (Page 62)

The bioretention cells and bioswales at Burns & McDonnell’s headquarters use plants to clean and reduce storm water runoff. storm Water management A series of biorentention cells and bioswales maximize storm water infiltration and improve water quality. This system combines innovative technology with traditional and natural storm water control. The combination of native vegetation, new grading, piping, inlets and treatment units captures and treats more than 37% of the approximately 19 million gallons of rainwater that falls on the campus annually. The system reduces storm water runoff by 18% (3.4 million gallons per year). This project is especially important to Burns & McDonnell because it helps reduce the pressures on Kansas City’s combined sewer system, which collects rainwater, domestic sewage and industrial wastewater. In addition to reducing storm water runoff, these systems reduce pollutants such as motor oil, metals and tire residue from parking and driving surfaces, while providing an attractive enhancement to the landscaping around the campus. Slowing rainwater close to the source and Lessons Learned education and communication As a part of its effort to reduce building water use, the building team initially installed two waterless urinals on a trial basis. The team decided to collect employee responses before deciding whether to install waterless urinals throughout the building. However, the building team did not give employees any advance notice before installing the new urinals. The responses received were mostly negative, which the building team attributed to the lack of education. The building team removed the waterless urinals after two weeks and decided to retrofit the restrooms with low flow one-eighth gallon flush urinals. Burns & McDonnell also has given away rain barrels and has held public collections of household hazardous waste. As a result, area residents regularly ask for tips to lessen their impact on the city’s storm water system and the environment. employee Participation employees’ desire to be environmentally responsible has intensified since Burns & McDonnell started down the path of improving sustainability. The company has introduced several employee initiatives, including a carpooling program, free bus passes and a high fuel efficiency vehicle incentive that gives employees $1,000 toward purchasing qualifying vehicles. So far, 30 start small Don’t try to tackle everything employees have taken advantage of the at once when addressing the sustainability incentive and 100 are carpooling. of an existing building. The changes at Burns & McDonnell have taken place over coordination Sustainability projects that the past three and a half years. Taking involve a tenant, property manager and one step at a time also gives the building owner require deliberate communication team time to prepare building users for to ensure that each party is aware of the the changes. overall objective and understands how each measure will affect the building. The community awareness Burns & mcdonnell group also should develop a back-up plan invited residents from surrounding neighbor- in the event that something goes wrong. hoods in 2008 to a program marking the for example, Burns & mcdonnell agreed opening of Burns & McDonnell’s storm water if a problem developed as a result of the management system and explained how the green roof installation, the company would system would benefit the community. pay to remove and replace it. Burns & McDonnell uses fuel-efficient vehicles in its fleet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The firm also offered a $1,000 incentive to employees who purchased high fuel efficiency vehicles. To qualify for the incentive, the vehicle had to receive a 9 or 10 Greenhouse Gas Score from the EPA. HigH Performing Buildings fa l l 2 0 0 9

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2009

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2009
Contents
Commentary
Kitsap County Administration Building
McDonald's Corporation
Plano Elementary School
California Department of Education
Burns & McDonnell
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2009