The fourth quarter of 2010 saw one New York and two Pennsylvania 7group projects earn LEED certification.
Westhampton Free Public Library attained LEED Gold (NCv2.2), becoming the first certified library in New York State. Located in Westhampton Beach, NY, this 14,250 sf library replaces the original 1906 structure, which was expanded five times and eventually deemed too small to meet the growing needs of the community. The building includes a 15 kW rooftop photovoltaic system, ground-source heat pumps, dual-flush toilets and low flow faucets, all of which are expected to contribute to significantly reduced energy and water consumption. Other building features such as CO2 monitors and large operable windows serve to enhance indoor air quality. For more information please visit http://westhamptonlibrary.net/pages/index.aspx and http://www.wardpc.net/p_educational_07_01.asp.
The newly LEED Certified (NCv2.2) Hershey Links Golf Course Clubhouse in Hummelstown, PA, features geothermal heating and cooling systems contributing to energy cost reductions of over 25%. Additionally, the installation of low flow toilets, faucets and urinals, as well as lavatory sensors, has resulted in reducing water use by almost 25%. This 12,500 sf clubhouse is situated near the 18th hole of the Hershey Links golf course, a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary course. Further details can be found at http://www.hersheygolfcollection.com/courses/hershey_links/clubhouse.php.
The fin-like exterior features of the 900-student LEED Gold (NCv2.2) Broughal Middle School in Bethlehem, PA, were designed to deflect summer heat and collect winter sun, reducing heating and cooling loads. Design elements such as a vegetated roof, a highly insulated building envelope and high performance glazing also contribute to reduced energy costs, while rainwater harvesting reduces costs associated with water consumption. In addition to the school’s eight full science labs, rooftop greenhouse, television production studio, robotics lab and planetarium, this 186,000 sf building itself serves as a learning tool for students by exemplifying contemporary green building practices that have been incorporated into the educational curriculum. More information is available at http://www-br.beth.k12.pa.us/ and http://www.afurst.com/gallery_of_work/broughal_middle_school/index.asp.
These projects represent the most recent additions to 7group’s expanding repertoire, which includes another 62 LEED certified projects.