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Charlottesville’s Transit Center LEED Certification: In order for a building to become LEED certified by the U.S. Green Buildings Council, it must first incorporate a variety of sustainable construction techniques into its structure. Specific prerequisite features must be included in the design for all green buildings with other aspects then implemented into the project. These are based on the discretion of the designers in order to gain credits for a certain level of certification, and ultimately determine whether it is recognized at the certified, silver, gold or platinum levels. The Transit Center is seeking a certified level of recognition, with design elements specific to the Charlottesville building explained by each credit category below. Sustainable Site: Erosion and Sedimentation Control (Prerequisite) Site Selection - the area of development avoided being located on farmland or near wetlands, and did not consist of land inhabited by endangered species or public parkland. (1 credit) Alternative Transportation - pollution and land development impacts from automobile use are reduced since the Transit Center is a bus transfer station itself with bus lines located right next to the building. (1 credit) Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands - the use of concrete pavement on the majority of its paved surfaces instead of asphalt, along with a light-colored roof tone, work to reflect heat from the sun, in turn lowering temperatures and minimizing the impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat. (2 credits) Water Efficiency Water Efficient Landscaping - an irrigation system in the landscaping was not constructed, reducing landscape water use. (2 credits) Innovative Wastewater Technologies - The use of waterless urinals in conjunction with ultra-low flow fixtures elsewhere in the building produced a 30% reduction in water use. (1 credit) Water Use Reduction Technologies – same as above. (2 credits) Energy & Atmosphere Fundamental Building System Commissioning - the City obtained an outside contractor to verify and ensure that fundamental building elements and systems are designed, installed and calibrated to operate as intended. (Prerequisite) Minimum Energy Performance (Prerequisite) CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment (Prerequisite) Optimizing Energy Performance - energy costs were reduced by 30% as a result of the use of water-source heat pumps in the building with less than 150 tons of cooling. (4 credits) Additional Commissioning – additional techniques through the same contractor provide supplemental reviews of the construction process. (1 credit) Materials & Resources Storage and Collection of Recyclables - an elaborate recycling program will be set up in the Transit Center. (Prerequisite) Recycled Content - a large percentage of building products were utilized that incorporated recycled content, therefore reducing the impacts resulting from extraction and the processing of virgin materials. (2 credits) Local/Regional Materials - building materials for the Center are produced locally, of which about 20% were manufactured locally and of those 50% harvested locally as well. (2 credits) Indoor Environmental Quality Minimum Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Performance - to satisfy these conditions, measurements have been enforced to meet ASHRAE standards of Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, as well as banning smoking within the building. (Prerequisite) Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control – same as above (prerequisite) Carbon Dioxide Monitoring - an appropriate and inexpensive measure taken by the designers to help sustain long-term occupant comfort and well-being. (1 credit) Construction IAQ Management Plans - reducing air quality problems resulting from construction by using appropriate ventilation, absorptive materials and filtration media during construction, as well as allowing for a two week flush out period to be added to the schedule before occupancy of the building. (2 credits) Low Emitting Materials – the use of low VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and carpet will help to reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that may be harmful to the occupants. (3 credits) Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control - “walk-off” mats and wellventilated copy rooms provide an additional credit. (1 credit) Daylight & Views - by providing line-of-sight views available from all occupied areas, building occupants have a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors, allowing for the introduction of natural light into the Transit Center. (1 credit) Innovation in Design Innovation in Design - an elaborate public education system and display set up within the building informs visitors of the sustainable design characteristics of the building and encourages others to join the U.S. Green Buildings Council. (2 credits) Innovation in Design - Additional water conservation methods, resulting in a 54% reduction in water use adds an additional credit. (1 credit) LEED Accredited Professional - the participation of an LEED accredited professional, Muscoe Martin, in the design process allows for the final credit, since expertise in the sustainable building is essential to the design and construction process. (1 credit)