LEED Certification

The 3 Riverside building is designed to be LEED certified and is in the application process.

LEEDing the Way

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification recognizes and promotes “green” building.

LEED addresses six areas related to green building:

• Sustainable sites
• Water efficiency
• Energy and atmosphere
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality
• Innovation in design

Sustaining Our Land

This building qualifies as a sustainable site for several reasons:

It was built on a previously developed site, which removes pressure from undeveloped lands and their support of the local environment.

Basic services are available within a half a mile from the building, which promotes walking and using current infrastructure, like the Star Line trolley system. Bicycle storage and shower facilities are also on-site to promote alternate transportation.

To avoid “light pollution,” the interior lights of the building are designed so they don’t shine out through the exterior windows and exterior lighting is limited.

A Green Roof?

This building’s green roof is partially covered with plants and vegetation that are planted in trays on top of a water-proof membrane. Also called “living roofs,” green roofs absorb storm water that normally would be funneled from the building into local streams. They also absorb heat given off by the sun, which lowers cooling costs.

Watching Our Water

This building really “watches” its water efficiency. By using native plants, which are accustomed to the region’s climate, for the landscape, there is no need for landscape irrigation.

And with low-flow faucets and toilets, the building is designed to use 28 percent less water than if it was equipped with standard water fixtures.

Energy and Atmosphere

To optimize energy performance, this building has been designed to use between 18 and 28 percent less energy than a baseline version of the same building.

Tests are made of the building’s major systems to make sure they are operating correctly, which conserves energy.

The building makes zero use of CFC-based refrigerants in HVAC and refrigerant systems.

Not Just Bricks and Mortar

A large percentage of this building was constructed of materials that were manufactured regionally.

Recycled materials were also used, such as structural steel, concrete, carpet, ceiling tile, doors, casework, drywall, and more.

During construction, the majority of construction waste was recycled, including metal wood, concrete, asphalt, cardboard, drywall and plastic.

The building is equipped with a recycling collection dumpster and multiple recycling bins throughout.

Bringing It Inside

To promote a healthy environment inside as well as outside, this building was made with low- or zero-volatile organic compounds to reduce indoor air contaminants.

To ensure quality air inside the building, the mechanical ducts were protected from dust and moisture during installation and filtration is used to stop contaminants from entering through the ventilation system.

Furthermore, no smoking is allowed on Carilion Clinic property.

An Innovative Design

The building allows for one-stop healthcare for multiple practices, so patients won’t have to travel as far for referrals.

We employ a ‘green housekeeping plan’ which uses green cleaning products to clean the building.

We also seek to educate our community on what it means to be a green building and the commitment we’ve made to protect the environment throughout the construction of this building and in the future.