Site Issues:

• An erosion and sedimentation control plan was implemented to prevent loss of soil during construction by storm water runoff and wind erosion.
• Public transportation access is provided by bus stops located adjacent to the facility.
• Bicycle use is encouraged by the inclusion of a storage rack outside the building and a shower and changing facility within the building for users.
• Preferred parking is provided for low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles to encourage their use.
• Parking capacity is sized to meet minimum local zoning requirements and preferred parking is provided for carpools.
• Protection and retainage of the existing natural habitat is utilized to limit extensive regrading.
• A combination of at least 50% of the site landscape, roads, sidewalks and parking lots use paving materials with a solar reflectance index of at least 29 to limit heat island effect.
• Roofing materials with a solar reflectance index of greater than 78 are used to limit heat island effect from roof materials.
  

Water Efficiency:

• Native plants and plants that require little water reduce the amount of potable water used for landscaping by 50%.
• Water efficient landscaping is installed that is not dependent upon permanent irrigation systems.
• High efficiency fixtures are utilized to achieve a 20% reduction of potable water use.
• Gray-water and storm water use strategies are utilized to achieve a 30% reduction of potable water use.
  

Energy & Atmosphere

• Building Energy Systems were included in the commissioning of the project.
• An Energy Cost Budget Model was developed during the design phase to guide decisions toward a more energy efficient building.  This performance model results in energy cost savings to the owner as well as conservation of energy supplies.
• No CFC based refrigerants are used in this facility.  Refrigerants are used that minimize or eliminate the emission of compounds that contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.
• Solar photovoltaic panels are located on the roof of the facility to provide electrical power for a portion of the lighting within the building.
• Commissioning for this facility is enhanced to address sustainability issues.
• Measurement and Verification control sensors are strategically placed to integrate with the overall building management system.
• The University of Louisville has entered into a contract to purchase Green-e Renewable Energy for this facility.
  

Materials & Resources

• Designated areas for collection of recyclable materials are provided within the facility.
• During the construction phase the contractor implemented salvage and recycle plan for non-hazardous construction waste which included sorting and measurement of construction waste to be recycled.
• Materials with recycled content were used in the construction process.
• Materials that have been extracted, harvested or recovered as well as manufactured within 500 miles of the project site were used in the construction process.
• A minimum of 50% of wood used in construction was certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s principles and criteria.
  

Indoor Environmental Quality

• The Indoor Air Quality performance requirements of ASHRAE 62.1-2004 Ventilation for Acceptable Air Quality were used in the design of the ventilation rate procedures.
• Smoking is prohibited within the facility.  This included the construction phase.
• Direct outdoor airflow measurement devices are installed to provide feedback on the performance of the ventilation system
• Additional outdoor air ventilation is provided for east side office areas.
• An Indoor Air Quality Management Plan was implemented during construction and the pre-occupancy phase.  This included a full flush-out of the facility with 100% outside air prior to occupancy.
• All adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building met rigorous requirements of VOC limits.
• Only low-VOC paints and coatings were used throughout the facility.
• All carpet and cushion installed in the facility meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Program.
• No added urea-formaldehyde resins were used in any of the plywood, particleboard, mdf, door cores or other composite wood products in the facility.
• Indoor chemical and pollutant source control is provided.  All spaces containing hazardous gases or materials will be negatively pressurized.  Spaces will also contain self-closing doors, floor to deck partition or a hard lid ceiling.  Prior to occupancy of the building all regularly occupied spaces are provided with filtration media that provides a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of 13 or better.
• With the exception of holding rooms, all rooms have occupant controlled lighting.
• Comfort controls are provided for a minimum of 50% of the building occupants and all shared-multi-occupant spaces.
• HVAC systems and the building envelope are designed to comply with ASHRAE 55-2004 Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy.

The design of the facility was conducted by LEED Accredited professional engineers and architects.