GW's Charles E. Smith Centre secures LEED Gold
Charles E. Smith Centre in the Foggy Bottom Campus of George Washington University (GW) in Washington, D.C., US has bagged LEED Gold from the US Green Building Council.
The building has completed a makeover in 2011 which was designed by Gensler with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company serving as the construction manager. It now features a revamped arena, refurbished locker rooms and training and sports medicine facilities. The upgraded facility also comprises an on-site academic centre, new box office, refreshment areas and the Colonials Club. The facility houses GW athletics.
The renovated structure imbibes several green features. It has been equipped with highly insulated exterior wall systems, energy-saving windows, and an Energy Star-certified white roof. Use of various energy-efficient elements help the building surpass the energy performance standards for commercial buildings.
The facility incorporates low-flow plumbing fixtures, as well as native or adaptive plants which phase out irrigation needs. The centre has cut down its water consumption by over 40% compared to the baseline standard for commercial buildings by employing these water-efficient measures.
Use of low-VOC paints, adhesives, coatings, sealants and carpets complying with Green Seal Standards or Green Label Plus norms add to the building's sustainability. In addition, the property has reclaimed or salvaged 90% of waste during demolition and construction process and diverted it from reaching the landfills or incineration facilities.
