LEEDing the way to high performance and sustainability

 

Are you familiar with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)?  It is the United States' preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance buildings.  234 W. Florida has achieved a Silver certification for its Core and Shell (CS) design and construction, and all of our office buildings are registered for Existing Building Operations & Maintenance (EBOM) certification.  While we are proud of the CS certification, the EBOM certifications will also show that we operate our buildings sustainably, every day, as we have for many years.  LEED-EBOM evaluates a building within the context of seven areas: 

 

· Site sustainability 

   (i.e. urban redevelopment or greenfield availability of  

    public transport)

· Water efficiency 

   (sink, toilet, urinal, shower efficiency)

· Energy and atmosphere 

   (EnergyStar rating, building commissioning)

· Materials and resources 

   (sustainable purchasing, solid waste management)

· Indoor environmental quality 

   (indoor air quality, green cleaning, no smoking)

· Innovation 

   (propose new credit not in the above)

· Regional priority 

   (propose regional credit not in above)

 

This month we focus on Innovation. The purpose of the innovation section of LEED-EBOM is to recognize projects for innovative and exemplary building features or practices that generate environmental benefits beyond those already listed in LEED-EBOM. Strategies for sustainable building operations are constantly evolving and improving, and the Innovation section helps ensure that LEED-EBOM keeps pace with this continual evolution.

 

Innovation programs or initiatives that are not already addressed in LEED-EBOM might include:

• Providing educational programs or displays on the environmental and human health benefits of green building practices
• Perform an infrared scan of the building to help maintain the thermal integrity of the building envelope
• Recycle restaurant cooking oil as fuel
• Include a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP) on the project team to help integrate sustainability into building operations and maintenance practices. LEED-AP professionals have a clear understanding of green building practices and principles.

Exemplary performance points may also be earned for achieving double the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold of an existing credit in LEED, such as a 40% or more reduction in water use. (The Water Efficiency section provides up to 5 points for up to 30% reduction in water use.)

 

Questions? Comments? We welcome your involvement!

 

Next month we will look at regional priority credits. 

 

  

Backlot Imaging, Inc. was formed in 2004 when Marquette

University alum and former Disney Studios executive Steve Muckerheide partnered with Jim Culhane and Chris Johnson of Tri-Marq Communications, Inc.

 

Backlot Imaging, sister company of Tri-Marq Communications, creates graphic, animated and live-action imaging that enhances motion picture, television and corporate productions for clients in Hollywood and all over the world. In addition they provide post-production support for corporate video, live events, interactive DVD, CD and computer programming, web-based design, and all levels of animation.

 

Some of the films that Backlot has provide scene manipulation for include The Chronicles of Narnia, Get Smart, Jumper, Rush Hour 3, and My Super Ex-Girlfriend. 

 

 

 Yes, cooler weather is coming...take a few minutes this month to check the heating program on your thermostat(s). Check the days and hours of operation (and make yourself a note to "fall back" on Daylight Savings - November 6 - if your thermostat will not do this automatically). 68 degrees is an energy-efficient heating level, combined with proper attire. 

 

Every one degree reduction in thermostat set point corresponds to an estimated 3% reduction in energy usage.  If you need help with your thermostat programming, just give us a call and we'll come by to review it with you.

 

Neighborhood Close-Up:  

The Yard at The Iron Horse Hotel

 

(from theironhorsehotel.com)

Located on the west side of The Iron Horse Hotel is The Yard. Carved into the hillside with native landscaping and stone outcroppings, The Yard is an outdoor lounge and bar. Beneath the soaring Sixth Street Viaduct and nestled along an historic yet active railroad, guests are treated to the slow chug of freight cars throughout the day. Serving seasonal outdoor fare and late-night drinks, this comfy lounge features sectional seating, a huge outdoor bar made from reclaimed original fire doors and colorful shade sails allowing for just the right amount of sun and shade. The Yard is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and legitimately watch the world go by.

Order from their new wood-fired pizza menu, or try their great BLT made with Nueskies bacon and lemon aioli, or a marinated, grilled chicken sandwich on chibbata.

 Serving outside for lunch through 9/18. After that, the menu will be available for lunch and dinner in Branded, and for lunch at Smyth.

The Yard at The Iron Horse Hotel

500 W. Florida St.

(888) 543-4766  Front Desk  

(414) 755-0084  Fax

 

September Hours:
Mon-Fri - 4pm to close
Sat-Sun - 10am to close 

 

For full menu and events:

theironhorsehotel.com