Green Building Alliance Offices Receive LEED Platinum Rating

Green Building Alliance's 3,850-square-foot office space in Pittsburgh has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

GBA's offices were designed and constructed in 2008 as a model of resource and material efficiency, as well as a green building teaching tool and demonstration project. They serve as an example of how old industrial buildings can be converted into environmentally friendly spaces, and are the first project in Western Pennsylvania to receive USGBC's highest rating. GBA is also the first USGBC chapter or affiliate to achieve LEED certification for its offices.

"The USGBC's vital work toward market transformation would not be possible without the dedicated grassroots commitment of our regional chapters and affiliates," said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC's president, CEO, and founding chair. "It is extremely gratifying to see such an affiliate -- the Green Building Alliance -- achieve the exemplary success of LEED Platinum certification for its offices. This remarkable project will stand as an example and will greatly benefit the Western Pennsylvania community, while also helping us heal our planet's environment and economy."

Many of the original building components in GBA's offices were retained, including leaded glass windows and brick walls. Wood floors in the two enclosed office spaces were salvaged from the renovation of Vincentian Convent in Pittsburgh and reused. The HVAC system is a model of high efficiency, maximizing fresh air flow to contribute to an optimal indoor environment that, combined with the use of materials that do not off-gas volatile organic compounds, creates a space that is both comfortable and healthy. GBA's offices use 22 percent less energy than conventionally constructed office space, and all appliances and fixtures have high efficiencies. Forty percent less water is used as a result of low flow fixtures, including toilets, showers and faucets.

Nearly all furnishings in the offices are reused, salvaged or refurbished. New materials employed in the project include a number of products made by local manufacturers, as well as some made from recycled materials and rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo. Additionally, 99.9% of construction waste generated by the project was diverted from a landfill by reusing materials on-site, recycling and donating items to Construction Junction, which is Pittsburgh's building material reuse retailer.

In Western Pennsylvania, there are more than 55 LEED-certified projects -- and another 130 projects that are registered as pursuing LEED certification