EPA220/F08/001
April 2008
www.epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed with vegetable-based ink on pa per that contains a minimum of 50% post-consumer fiber content.
Processed chlorine free.
I
h
Certified Silver by The
Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design
(LEED8) Green Buidling
Rating System
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Green Building
The building was designed to meet the U.S. Green Building
Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
for New Construction (LEED-NC) Silver standard. The
project followed green building principles from design through.
construction to operation. Since opening, the facility has
developed programs designed to decrease the impact of its
operation, such as recycling and composting, that build on
the foundation of the credits awarded to achieve LEED Silver
certification.
The following highlights a few outstanding green features that
contributed to the LEED Silver rating:
Specimen Tree Survey conducted prior to design allowed
for the preservation of selected trees on the property.
The site design preserved open space equal to one-and-a-
half times the size of the disturbed area.
Waste recovered for recycling during the construction
phase minimized landfilled materials.
ENERGY STAR" roof and high albedo concrete parking lot
decrease heat absorption and reduce the amount of energy
required for cooling the building.
Energy-efficient lighting features such as occupancy sensors
and daylighting dimmers save electricity.
EPA-RTP offsets 100 percent of the electricity consumption
of its campus, including the child-care center, through the
purchase of renewable energy certificates.
Xeriscape landscape design uses drought-hardy plants that
require no additional watering, thus eliminating the need fftf
an irrigation system.
Sun-shades and light deflectors on the south orientation of
the building help reduce the energy load during hot North
Carolina summers.
Clerestory windows on the north orientation maximize
daylighting while minimizing heating and cooling
requirements.
Energy Star appliances reduce the energy requirements of
operation.
All stormwater runoff from the site drains into a
bioretention area allowing for natural treatment before
discharge into local streams.
A composting program turns kitchen waste into useful
compost.
Environmental Chamber tests performed on flooring,
carpeting, and paints confirmed low chemical emissions.
EPA further extended Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) protection
during furniture procurement requiring items to meet the
GreenGuarcT emission standards. Baseline IAQ testing
conducted post construction and pre-occupancy verified
good indoor air quality.
The building exceeds ASHRAE standards by 20% for
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
The facility is served by public transportation and promotes
car/van pooling by allocating designated spaces for this type
of parking. A covered bike rack and shower encourage
biking to work. In addition, the parking area is equipped
with a power connectivity for EPA electrical vehicles used
by the facility's maintenance and repair staff.
Renewable flooring with antimicrobial content aids in the
prevention of infections.
Open since November 2005, the First Environments Early Learning Center
(FEELC) is a 25,400 square foot child care facility. The Center provides
full-day child care services for up to 188 children. The building includes 20
classrooms, a large multipurpose room, a commercial-grade kitchen, infant
care rooms including a gross motor area and outdoor playground.
TTiis facility is designed to promote
I the Agency's mission. Children and
their parents have the opportunity
to experience the benefits of green
building design everyday. An
innovative feature referred to as
"window walls" allows the children
to take a peek into the interior
construction features of the building.
This facility and its setting cultivate
environmental values in this rising
generation of young citizens. They
will someday add their voices to
the growing preference for green
design in the United States.
Daylightingand
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For More Information:
U.S. EPA's Facility website
www.epa.gov/rtp
For FEELC program
www.epa.gov/rtp/childcare/daycare.htm
(919)541-1361
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Date of Publication: April 2008
Title: First Environment Early Learning Center Brochure
LEED- Silver Certified
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