Just how big can a "green" building be?
Earlier this week, Cincinnati-based ATA Beilharz Architects announced that construction has begun on the new regional distribution center for Home Depot at the Corridor 75 Industrial Park in Monroe.
The project has been billed as "the region's largest green development" and has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) with the goal of achieving LEED certification.
According to the press release, the building, being developed by Prologis and Vandercar Holdings and built by Paul Hemmer Corporation, will utilize over 700 tons of recycled material and has been designed to be energy efficient.
But what is the definition of "green", and are the USGBC standards too high or two low?
The structure itself will cover over 15 acres, or 659,925 square feet.
To put that into perspective, it could hold 9 football fields under its roof.
And it's being built on an undeveloped greenfield site and will have a constant stream of trucks entering, exiting, and idling.
Putting aside the obvious value of the investment in our region and the number of jobs that will be created, if developments like these achieve LEED certification, is that deserved?
Image credit: ATA Beilharz Architects
Friday, June 6, 2008
How big can a 'green' building be?
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4 comments:
They might acheive basic Certification, but because of the lack of public transit, greenfield development etc... they will not be able to get Silver, Gold or Platinum certification.
That they will be more energy efficient and use some recycled and locally produced materials is good and should get some recognition, which is what the "certified" does.
The fact that this type of development will be able to tout LEED certification at all is worrysome. LEED, after all, is now often used as a PR tool, yet not too many people know the difference between basic certification and Platinum.
This reminds me of the "green" McMansions popping up all over the country, way larger than they need to be with a total reliance on automobiles.
They should be forced to put a green roof on structures like this. I'm sure a 15-acre green roof might be a bit expensive, but maybe they could market it as a tourist/PR attraction.
^ Great idea!
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