Regatta Child Development Center, Washington, USA
What is the LEED Certification?Construction of the Regаtta Child Development Center in Оak Harbor, Washington, completed in October 2011. A daycare and preschool facility occupies 2322 square meters (or 25,000 square feet) and consists of 17 child care rooms, a lobby, administrative offices and a commercial kitchen. The most important peculiarity of the facility is its zero emission vehicle parking and pedestrian paths. The surrounding open space is planted with native drought-resistant plants. Energy is produced by photovoltaic solar panels, installed on the roof, and wind turbines in the parking lot. Owned by Whidbey Naval Station, the center achieved LEED Gold certification in the category New Construction (45 points), though originally it was designed to meet LEED Silver requirements. At first, the center was intended for 218 children – from 6 weeks to 5 years. Only recycled materials were used while building this eco-friendly construction. Electricity is saved thanks to motion sensors. They switch the light on if someone enters the room. The architect of the center is Fraser & Fogle.
By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am