Miami-Dade County receives first Leed Gold Level Environmental Certification
West Lot Parking Garage and Office Building receives LEED Gold Certification
(MIAMI, February 6, 2013) – Miami-Dade County’s West Lot Parking Garage and Office Building has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Located at 220 NW 3rd Street, the six-level, 320,127 square foot structure includes 266,867 square feet of parking throughout the six levels; 52,260 square feet of office and storage space in four levels; and 1,000 square feet of retail area. The garage and office building, which is of precast/masonry construction, sits on 1.67 acres of land. The project was constructed by Munilla Construction Management, LLC (MCM).
“This project, which was completed on time and within budget, marks a significant milestone in the County’s sustainability programs,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “It’s a reflection of our commitment to our environment. We are building greener and preserving our natural resources, while enhancing our community’s services.”
The initial certification level sought by Miami-Dade County for the project was Silver and the MCM team worked on a design to achieve a minimum of 33 points. After consistent efforts throughout the construction phase, the project achieved 35 points and was awarded the LEED Gold certification under the “Core & Shell” rating system.
Among the sustainable strategies pursued by the County and MCM design build team are:
- The building envelope is designed so the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); lighting and other systems maximize the overall energy performance. The building as designed will provide a 23.7 percent energy savings and a 20.7 percent cost savings.
- Implementation of a program to save existing trees on site and relocating them to other locations, including two public libraries and an open space on NW 2nd Avenue and NW 3rd Street.
- A water booster pressure pump package is being used in the building, which will generate an estimated 33.6 percent savings on water usage.
- All landscape has been designed with native species, which do not require irrigation.
- Special designated parking is also provided along the ground floor for fuel efficient vehicles. Future plans include adding electrical outlets for electric vehicles.
- The structure has a white roof insulation system, which reflects sunlight and minimizes required cooling.
- The building paint has low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) content.
Miami-Dade County’s Internal Services Department, Munilla Construction Management, LLC (MCM), PJB Architects, JALRW Engineering Group, Bliss & Nyitray Engineers, Walker Parking Consultants, SDM Consulting Engineers, Milian, Swain & Associates, Inc. (MSA), and Rosenberg Gardner Design are among the organizations which worked on the project.