The Town of Miami Lakes Government Center received Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification and plaque on September 12 from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The LEED certification is seen as a mark of achievement in green building as the U.S. Green Building Council uses the LEED certification system to rate a building’s sustainability.
The certification process awards points in seven categories – sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design, and regional priority credits.
The certification is the result of efforts by the design team of KVC Constructors and town staff. The team focused on the functionality and operations of the public building for resident services and employee performances.
Sustainable features include highly efficient HVAC systems, low lighting levels with work spaces equipped with lighting controls, use of daylighting, and significant water-saving measures within the building and across the site. This also includes the use of FSC certified wood to encourage environmentally responsible forest management.
During construction, the contractor was able to divert 78 percent of construction waste away from landfills.
“I would like to thank a few key leaders in this initiative including the architect, LEED consultant, and the contractor, who went beyond their contractual duties to provide a high-performing sustainable facility,” said Mayor Ceasar Mestre, at the plaque’s unveiling.