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 feelcLfflDpubGFO.indd 1 4/10/08 11:05:15 AM ------- 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 Interiorlightd / T. \ V !*""> 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 feelcLEEDpubGPO.indd 2 4/10/08 11:05:23 AM ------- Date of Publication: April 2008 Title: First Environment Early Learning Center Brochure LEED- Silver Certified ------- |