USGBC Headquarters, Washington, D.C., USA
What is the LEED Certification?Founded in 1993, USGBC (United States Green Building Council) is a non-profit organization which encourages and supports sustainable, environmentally responsible green buildings in the country and outside its boundaries. 5 years after its foundation, in 1998, US Green Building Council created the LEED rating system, a unique evaluating system for green buildings. The organization’s headquarters, designed by architectural company Perkins+Will, is located in downtown Washington, in Dupont Circle and meets all the requirements of sustainable modern environment, that’s why the building earned LEED-Platinum certification for Commercial Interiors. The main contractor was James G. Davis Construction Corporation. Gross floor area is 2043 square meters (or 22,000 square feet). The project was completed in March 2009. Dual-flush toilets and water-free urinals help to reduce water costs by 40%. The design of the construction with operable windows makes it possible for sunlight to penetrate easily into 93% spaces of the building. Carbon dioxide emissions are constantly controlled by monitors. 21% of building materials have recycled content. Other green features of the building are low-VOC materials, the green roof, the learning environment, etc.
By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am