HoodaThunk?

Regardless of what one thinks of the constant sparring over such topics as global warming and fossil fuels, there’s no doubt that when one can do so it’s usually a good idea to build and live with an eye toward conserving valuable resources. The current moniker for such efforts is “Green,” as in Green Initiatives, Green lifestyles and Green Building. It’s a wonderful idea that’s actually been developed into an actual standard among builders in the US.

The United States Green Building Council has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program (LEED). LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based rating system that allows builders nationwide to be recognized for their efforts in following environmentally-friendly practices in terms of design and construction. LEED certifications are granted on the basis of meeting certain performance benchmarks. The resulting project certification gives a rating to a given construction effort; Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Such certification represents the committment by the project team toward building something that not only followed Green practices in the construction phase, but will also continue to operate in such a manner. This impacts everyone in the community by keeping the community environment cleaner and thereby healthier.

Loudoun County’s own Middleburg Bank will achieve just such a certification on their Fort Evans Branch location. According to a press release I’ve seen (link to follow when I find it on their site), they’ve put in some remarkable features on the project:

• The Bank will use 38% less energy than standard buildings of its genre.
• The Bank is built with a roof that is designed to have a high solar reflective index, which results in reducing the temperature build up around the facility.
• The Bank uses a high-efficiency HVAC system.
• The Bank dug five 300-foot geo-transfer wells to work with water source heat pumps to use the earth’s energy to heat and cool the building.
• The Bank will use 46% less water than standard buildings of its genre.
• The Bank has planted native vegetation in its landscaping to reduce irrigation needs.
• The Bank has installed smart plumbing fixtures, such as infrared sensors taps and low-flow toilets.
• During construction, the Bank used more than 10% local materials by cost, thus reducing overall transportation impacts and helping the local economy.
• During construction, 75% of the construction waste was diverted from landfills.
• The Bank dedicates 5% of its parking area for low emitting, fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles.
• The Bank is dedicated to improving indoor environmental quality through innovative design and materials.
• The Bank will be a smoke-free environment, with a 25 foot radius outside the facility.
• Individual thermal comfort controls.
• Finishes and furnishings do not contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• 90% of the Bank’s spaces enjoy natural views to the exterior.

Middleburg Bank is pressing for a Gold Certification and hope to reach the necessary score of 39.

My own personal business dealings with Middleburg Bank have been very positive and I recommend them highly. That they would put in the effort to achieve a LEED certification shows their committment to our community as a whole. They’re good neighbors, and that’s saying something. Congrats, Middleburg Bank!