Banner Bank Building, Boise, Idaho, USA
What is the LEED Certification? Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Banner Bank Building was completed in March 2006.
Compared with other buildings of the same size, this unique complex uses 65% less electricity and 80 % less water. Built in the Art Deco style, this 11-story building has a floor area of 17,500 sq meters. The commercial developer and owner of the building is Christensen Corporation, the main goal of which was to construct an energy-efficient, eco-friendly and attractive office building. At first, Gary Christensen (who invested $25 million in the project), together with HDR Architecture (which designed it), aimed at obtaining LEED Silver Certification. However, as time showed, they had underestimated their real opportunities. In July 2006, the building was awarded LEED Platinum Certification. The general contractor was Russell Corporation.
Since its opening, Banner Bank Building has concentrated on innovation and customer satisfaction. The site for the building was chosen for its proximity to mass transit. The innovative water reuse system, installed in the building, collects stormwater from Boise streets. Later, the water is used in the toilets. Healthy interior air is provided by underfloor air vents. The complex makes use of geothermal heating systems. Reduction in energy offsets 721 tons of CO2 per year. Recycling provides additional benefits, for example, 42% of building materials and 90% of construction waste is recycled.
By Astghik Atabekyan, www.biulding.am
Photos: www.hdrinc.com