Buffalo's US Courthouse bags LEED Gold
The new US Courthouse in Buffalo, New York, US has received LEED Gold from the US Green Building Council.
The new facility, which opened in November 2011, imbibes various eco-friendly elements. The building facade incorporates low E glazing to repel heat which in turn, decreases cooling loads. The facility has also been equipped with high-performance HVAC units and lighting fixtures which run low on energy usage. The facility reaps energy savings of 50% over current standards with installation of various energy-efficient features.
The building has installed low-flow plumbing fixtures which leads to a 30% reduction in water consumption compared to existing standards for a building of similar dimensions. Use of low-VOC interior paints, sealants and carpets adds to its sustainability. Other green features include use of materials with a minimum of 10% reclaimed content, procuring 20% of materials via local sources, and reusing at least 50% of all construction debris.
