Broward County, Florida’s Port Everglades received its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Cruise Terminal 4, which underwent many energy-efficient improvements when it was expanded and completely renovated over the past year.
LEED is a certification that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, building projects must satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve certification.
Construction features that made the terminal eligible for LEED certification include:
- recycled concrete and asphalt used in the building's construction;
- low-water usage toilets/urinals and fixtures;
- energy-efficient lighting inside and outside as well as the use of natural lighting within the terminal;
- energy-efficient air conditioning and windows;
- remote control of the lighting and air conditioning systems, which is part of the Port's overall energy management program;
- use of Regional materials manufactured within 500 miles of the port; and
- low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products used for paints, coating, flooring and adhesives.
"We decided to renovate Cruise Terminal 4 specifically to comply with LEED guidelines because the certification is widely recognized and it supports Broward County's sustainability efforts to make buildings more energy efficient and invest in renewable and alternative energy technologies," says Steven Cernak, Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director.
Port Everglades also has a port-wide energy management program that includes most of the Broward County-owned buildings and facilities, so many of the Port's other cruise terminals are also 'energy efficient' buildings.
The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of Broward County, Florida government with operating revenues of approximately $153 million in Fiscal Year 2014 (October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014). It does not rely on local tax dollars for operations. The total value of economic activity at Port Everglades is more than $28 billion. More than 224,000 Florida jobs are impacted by the Port, including 13,322 people who work for companies that provide direct services to Port Everglades.
For more information on Port Everglades, go to porteverglades.net