CitiesGoGreen - October 2008 - (Page 15) toring and tracking its utility performance and using the feedback to make additional improvements. This feedback also can act as a critical element to ensure improvement in building performance from one project to the next. Construction managers applied lessons from the design process and building performance feedback to energy conservation plan- ning on the county’s new Public Safety Building Complex and Juvenile Center. These lessons proved very useful, explains Logan. The performance contract on the subsequent project guaranteed savings of $56,700 a year, but Logan’s team has been able to verify savings of $8,000 more. Logan credits strategic vision and partnerships for the success of these projects. To ensure a vibrant and useful plan, the county has organized an advisory group made up of county officials, consultants and utility providers that meet once a year to evaluate progress. Stacey Hobart is Communications Director at New Buildings Institute [NewBuildings.org], a national nonprofit working to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings. Sustainable Features Dave Logan, Director of Ada County’s Operations Department, described the aspects of the courthouse building that qualified it for LEED Silver certification. Highlights include: • Averages 150,000 ft2 per acre (LEED requires buildings to occupy at least 60,000 ft2 per acre) • 11% of employees use alternative transportation • 100% of storm water is treated and flows to Julia Davis Pond, not the Boise storm water system • Sidewalks are swept and spot cleaned rather than hosed off • Ice melt used in the winter months is non-toxic • Commissioning on initial construction • Ozone refrigerant in the main cooling system does not contain CFCs • Maintains 5-15% of the building’s total load with on-site renewable energy • 19% of total energy needs from geothermal • Low-mercury lamps used • Extensive recycling program • Used refurbished benches in the courtrooms • Half of the building material was manufactured within a 500-mile radius • Brings in 10% fresh air and provides at least 15 cfm per occupant; can provide 100% outside air Part of the courthouse’s money-saving geothermal system. • Cleansers meet the Green Seal standard Q: What is ecoDocShare? A: a way for cities and county planning departments to o er a new and innovative way for builders to submit plans for review. Then this internet based system goes further by helping builders share documents with subcontractors, vendors and customers. Call Hunt Hosted Solutions, Inc. today for a demonstration (425) 222-0098 or email us at sales@hunthosted.com ecoDocShare October 2008 15 http://www.NewBuildings.org http://citiesgogreen.com
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