The Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology at Ohlone College and the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters are both shining examples of LEED Platinum certified buildings.  In addition to these two buildings, which reached the highest level of green building certification, Illinois’ first LEED certified hotel is also featured on this week’s edition of the LEED roundup.

 

Located in Newark, California, the Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology on the campus of Ohlone College was awarded LEED Platinum certification in August 2008.  Although the facility didn’t receive LEED certification this week, the case study was recently published on the USGBC website and the facility is making headlines once again.

 

The facility, which was designed by Perkins+Will, had a net-zero energy consumption from April through August 2008.  The building uses solar, geothermal, and enthalpy heat recovery wheel systems.  The solar power generated in 2008 prevented 421-tons of CO2 emissions and allowed the college to purchase 69% less electricity and consume 72% less natural gas than comparable buildings.

 

This commitment to energy efficiency led to a perfect 17/17 points awarded in the Energy & Atmosphere category on the LEED for New Construction version 2.0/2.1 checklist.  

 

Add the Illinois to the list of states with LEED certified hotels.  Hotel Arista, in Naperville, is now officially a LEED Certified property.  During construction, 70% of the waste was recycled.  The hotels 30% water use reduction and 21% energy use reduction, as well as eco-friendly cleaning products, helped the hotel achieve LEED certification.

 

“The hotel’s signature restaurant, SugarToad, also utilizes many organic and locally-sourced products, in addition to an on-site garden. Each guestroom also offers a “Nosh Box” which is stocked with local, regional and organic food items.”  Source: Hotels Magazine

 

 

The headquarters of the Arizona Game & Fish Department was recently awarded LEED Platinum certification, making it only the fourth building in the entire state to reach this ultimate level of green building certification.

 

A 189-kilowatt solar system is installed on the building’s roof and it will generate approximately 290,000 kWh of electricity each year.   The facility also uses low-flow plumbing, natural landscaping, and extensive natural lighting.