The new 4-H Center, located at 3730 Stefani Road in Cantonment, received a Three Green Globes certificate in early July. Green Globes is an online green building rating and certification tool that can be used for a wide range of commercial, institutional and multi-residential building types including offices, school, hospitals, hotels, academic and industrial facilities, warehouses, laboratories, sports facilities and multi-residential buildings. The program is run by the Green Building Initiative (GBI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that administers green building assessment and certification services in the United States.
The building accomplished an overall rating of 70% demonstrating leadership in applying best practices regarding energy, water and environmental efficiency. Originally, this project was specified to receive only two Green Globes. However, the architect of record (Hernandez Calhoun) and the contractor (A. E. New, Jr.) worked together with Escambia County to secure a higher level of certification with the guidance and support of the Green Globes Assessor.
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A short summary of practices and elements incorporated in this project to help obtain the 70% overall score is detailed below:
Project management - Integrated design process. Multidisciplinary collaboration from the inception of project. Environmental purchasing of low VOC materials and high efficiency equipment. Commissioning plan documentation and storm water filtration. | Water - High-efficiency plumbing fixtures. High-efficiency dishwasher. Minimal use of irrigation. Rain water capture and storage. |
Site - Building constructed on existing serviced site. Outdoor lighting that minimizes obtrusive aspects. Storm water directed to pervious areas. Lawn areas reduced by placement of native trees, shrubs and ground covers. High reflectance roof. | Resources - Systems and materials with low environmental impact. Material reuse that minimizes consumption of resources. Durable and low maintenance materials and bolted steel connections that can be easily disassembled. Reuse and recycling of construction/demolition waste. Site composting, waste handling and recycling facilities. |
Energy - Floor area optimized for natural daylight. Low-e windows with roof overhang. Energy-efficiency systems. Well insulated with walls (R-31.11 for all wall components) and ceiling (R-27.15). | Emissions, Effluents – Low NOx water heater (electric) specified. Zero ozone depleting refrigerants for HVAC, in compliance with ASHRAE 15. Sealing openings and ventilation of Janitor’s closet. |
Indoor Environment - Carbon dioxide monitoring. Low and no VOC emitting materials. Daylight provided and occupancy sensors. Thermal Comfort in compliance with ASHRAE 55-2004. Sound Transmission Class rated. |
The Escambia County Design and Construction Administration Team aims to include green building features in all projects, and in accordance with
2015 Florida Statues build all new County facilities to comply with a sustainable building rating system or a national model green building code.
County buildings with certifications:
LEED Certified buildings (Levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum)
- Central Office Complex (LEED Gold, March 2011)
- Perdido Key Fire Station (LEED Certified, November 2014)
Green Globes (Levels: 1-4 Globes)
- Marie K. Young Wedgwood Community Center (Three-Globes Certified, 2012)
- Molino Tax Collector (Two-Globes Certified, 2012)
- 4-H Center (Three-Globes Certified, 2015) NEW!!
Energy Star
- Sheriff’s Warrington Precinct (2012)
- Englewood Community Center (2014)
- Perdido Firing Range (2013)
For more information, contact the Office of Community and Media Relations at (850) 595-3476 and follow @MyEscambia on Twitter.
