Programs

Columbus Goes Green - Part II

Facility managers and LEED Certification for Existing Buildings were the focus of the Central Ohio IFMA Chapter’s second panel discussion on developing and maintaining a “greener Columbus.”

Panelists for the June 11 program at the Confluence Park Restaurant were Reed Tarkington, vice president, Four Seasons Environmental, Inc. (FSE), and Eric Elizondo, architect and founder of EcoStudio.

Tarkington offered a video of the greening of the South Central Regional Office Building in Harrisburg, PA, as that state’s first model green technology building and the collaborative effort that went into its construction a decade ago.

“Since then,” he said, “Pennsylvania has become a leader in green building, and Ohio is right behind…I want to encourage you that you (and your company) can make an impact…and there is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of this (green movement).”

FSE, headquartered in Monroe, OH, operates, maintains, and repairs facilities for the U.S. Government and the private sector.

Tarkington said, “We have 390 employees in our firm.  We support about 20 Federal sites and a good portion of Ohio school construction, and I can honestly tell you it (LEED) permeates every component of what we are doing now.

“Most decisions made now in our facilities have to consider the environmental or LEED impact.  The LEED rating system is the rating system to achieve.  It has a 95 percent market share.

“Is everybody aware that every new school that the state participates in constructing now is going to be LEED certified?  Every federal building that is built is LEED certified?

“And my guess is that within five years, every existing federal building will have to at least pursue the LEED Existing Building Certification as well.  I also think you are going to see commercial markets following right behind this.  Plenty commercial owners are doing this right now.” 

Addressing facility managers in particular, Tarkington said, “If you don’t begin to consider how your business does impact LEED you might be left behind.  In other words, it might be a poor business decision to not consider how your business or your particular job is going to relate to this because this is where everything is headed.  This is the future!”

For the facility manager who is looking to certify his or her facility, Tarkington suggested following the LEED-EB program. 

“This program offers maximum operational efficiency while maintaining environmental imports.  It gives owners and operators an effective benchmark and verification system for measuring upgrades, improvements, and maintenance over the life of the building,” Tarkington said.

Tarkington explained the point levels necessary for certification and for attaining silver, gold, or platinum status for a building, saying:

“Many of the requirements for LEED-EB Certification can be achieved at low cost by collaborating with the service providers and product manufacturers already working in your buildings.  Most strategies significantly reduce operational costs over the life of the building and pay for themselves many times over.”

He said LEED points may be accrued in a number of ways, including:

• Improving sustainable sites—reusing existing buildings and areas, protecting natural and agricultural areas, supporting alternative transportation, and protecting and/or restoring natural sites.
• Water efficiency—reducing the quantity of water needed for a building, and reducing the municipal water supply and treatment burden.
• Energy and atmosphere—establishing energy efficiency and systems performance, optimizing energy efficiency, encouraging renewable and alternative energy sources, and supporting ozone protection protocols.
• Materials and resources—using materials with less environmental impact, reducing and managing waste, and reducing the amount of materials needed.
• Indoor environmental quality—establishing good indoor air quality; eliminating, reducing, and managing the sources of indoor air pollution; ensuring thermal comfort and systems controllability; and providing for occupant connection to the outdoor environment.
• Innovation in upgrades, operations, and maintenance—recognizing exemplary performance in any achieved credit, and recognizing innovation in green buildings not addressed by current LEED credits.

Elizondo, whose studio is at 4449 Easton Way, offered seven “green priorities”  for existing facilities.  They are:

• Lighting/day lighting—new types and sources of lighting that are less expensive and environmentally friendly.
• HVAC improvements by using energy audits, direct digital controls, and appropriate equipment improvements and replacements.
• Shell (building) improvements by tightening walls and roof, insulation, improved and approved doors and windows, shade devices, and new innovations such as “green walls.” 
• Indoor environmental quality—ensure the present ventilating system is supplying at least 10 cubic feet per minute per person, utilize CO2sensors, thermal controls, remove any indoor contaminants, check cleaning supplies, and keep duct work and filters clean.
• Water efficiency—reduce the use of potable water with waterless urinals and dual flush water closets, harvesting rain water, and using water sensors.
• Alternative energy—use of wind power and solar energy. 
• Eliminate the concept of waste by developing and advocating waste recycling programs, becoming involved with the U.S. Green Building Council, spreading the importance of recycling to employees and friends, and installing “cradle-to-cradle” office furniture and systems.