IES Consulting help 600 Brickell achieve LEED Platinum
(PRWEB UK) 3 July 2013 -- IES today announced its Atlanta Division, BVM Engineering (BVME), played a key role in the successful LEED Platinum certification of 600 Brickell. As the lead sustainability, energy analysis and commissioning consultants for the project, BVME had the technical knowledge and first-hand experience needed to lead the design team through the LEED process.
Consisting of 600,000 square feet of leasable office space, the development was based on the principles of sustainability and innovation from the start. Loretta Cockrum, CEO of the Forum Group, decided the time was right to build a world-class office tower in the up-and-coming Financial District of Miami. She knew she had to put sustainable practices at the heart of the development for it to succeed.
The IES Atlanta Division was hired due to its reputation for offering a meticulous first-class LEED Consulting service. The team drove the LEED process from the initial concept phase to the submittal of the documentation to ensure a smooth process and the accomplishment of the LEED Platinum rating.
As part of this service BVME provided a number of energy models to help the design team understand what impact a huge range of variables would have on energy use and comfort levels within the building. By looking parametrically at where cost savings could be realised and how comfort levels would respond if materials such as the glass were changed, they were able to refine the design and systems to create significant energy and cost savings.
As well as predicting an 18% reduction in energy costs, the adjustments suggested by BVME to make the HVAC systems more efficient, increased outdoor air ventilation to all occupied spaces by 30% more than the standard ASHRAE requirements.
After the completion of the building in 2011, BVME provided the bridge between design and construction. They commissioned the building by testing not just the LEED features, but also the lighting controls, building management system, electrical HVAC and plumbing systems to ensure there were no problems for future tenants.
“The quality consulting, energy modelling and commissioning provided by BVME enabled us to become the first LEED platinium high-rise office building in Florida”, says Loretta Cockrum, CEO, Forum Group. “We’re delighted and honoured by the achievement, which helped us win Developer of the Year. We’re leasing at a record pace, and earning the highest rates in the market. Tenants tell me the LEED Platinum rating is a key factor.”
To read the full case study, visit http://www.iesve.com/consulting/projects/projectdetail/3317/Brickell+Financial+Centre.
Suzanne Livingstone, Integrated Environmental Solutions Limit, 0141 945 8500, [email protected]
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