fbpx

LEEDing the Way

Buildings are an integral part of our world and provide shelter, privacy, comfort, and safety. Buildings influence the way we live, affect our health, and have a profound impact on our natural environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, buildings in the United States account for 39% of total energy use, 12% of total water consumption, 68% of total electricity consumption, and 38% of the carbon dioxide emissions. So, how can we reduce the impact buildings have on the environment while still servicing our needs? The answer is to build green!

Green building is the practice of designing, constructing, renovating, and operating structures in a manner that minimizes their impact to the environment, utilizes resources efficiently, and protects the health of its occupants. The nationally accepted benchmark for green building is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system provides a framework for implementing practical and measurable green building solutions. Buildings can qualify for four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum โ€“ Platinum certification being the highest level of green performance.  

As of January 2014, five projects in Coconut Creek were LEED certified. The Promenade, located at the corner of Lyons Road and Wiles Road, was the first LEED certified project in the City and received LEED Silver certification level. Followed by Kohlโ€™s, located at the corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and State Road 7; SunTrust Bank at the Promenade, PNC Bank at the corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and State Road 7; and most recently, the Cityโ€™s new Public Works Administration Building, which earned LEED Silver. All of these projects contain sustainable design techniques such as drought tolerant landscaping, high reflective roof treatment, high efficiency HVAC equipment, water efficient fixtures, preferred parking for low-emitting/fuel efficient vehicles, and green housekeeping, just to name a few.  

Coconut Creek adopted standards for green building in 2008 for all new construction and major redevelopment projects. This means more and more buildings throughout the City will be green and sustainable, thereby reducing our impact on the environment. Requiring green building is ambitious, but itโ€™s also socially responsible. To learn more about green building, visit any of the following websites:

โ€ข U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/ 

โ€ข U.S. Green Building Council: https://www.usgbc.org/ 

โ€ข Coconut Creek Living Green: https://coconutcreek.net/sd/living_green 

 If you have questions, please contact Jim Hetzel, Senior Planner โ€“ Sustainable City Coordination for City of Coconut Creek, at [email protected] or 954.956.1468.

You can read more about Cityโ€™s Green Plan and GHG emissions by visiting www.coconutcreek.net/sd/city-green-plan and if you have questions, contact Jim Hetzel, Senior Planner โ€“ Sustainable City Coordination for City of Coconut Creek at [email protected] or 954.956.1468. 

You May Also Like

Brimstone Woodfire Grill Launches Date Night Experienceย 

Brimstone Woodfire Grill in Pembroke Pines is introducing an exclusive Date Night Experience. The evening is limited to only 20 guests and will be hosted by head chef Julio Martinez. Heโ€™ll guide guests through a sumptuous five-course menu of epicurean food and wine pairings, providing crucial insights into each dishโ€™s preparation, texture, and taste. Each

Dune by Laurent Tourondel Hosts Halloween Brunch and Disco-Themed Halloween Afternoon Tea Dance

Brunch attendees will receive free admission to the Halloween Tea Dance.

DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go Opens in Delray Beach

The concept originated in Venice, Italy.

Luxury Brands Coming to Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables

One of Australiaโ€™s leading fashion designers will open its store on the first level in early October.

Other Posts

City Operations & Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are those gases in the atmosphere that are the fundamental cause of the โ€œgreenhouse effectโ€ and have been a source of increased temperature on Earth, commonly referenced as part of climate change. Human activities contribute to the amount of emissions in our air from burning carbon-based fuels such as wood, coal,

Healing Hands

When sculpture artist Sean Garman opened his studio and gallery a few years ago, it wasnโ€™t for the sole purpose of tightening family bonds. But his specialtyโ€”works that focus on the human body, especially handsโ€”has done just that. The intimate, detail-rich pieces produced at Garman Sculpture Works (1041 NE 45th St., Oakland Park; 954.789.5001) have