GSBS Architects Achieves Record Number of LEED Certifications For Green Projects Representing $500+ Million in Construction
(Salt Lake City, UT – 3/23/16) With the certification of the Jordan Valley Water Conservation Building, GSBS Architects has designed 30 LEED certified projects which account for more than 2.5 million square feet of space at a construction cost of over half a billion dollars. These projects, which span all sectors of construction – offices, educational institutions, judicial centers, and even storage space – include many significant buildings, among them: The Utah Olympic Speed Skating Oval, Natural History Museum of Utah, and the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building.
These 30 LEED certified projects in Utah, and Texas, include 3 Platinum, the highest ranking, 11 Gold, 12 Silver, and 4 Certified. According to the Green Building Council which issues the certifications, “LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings. LEED is the triple bottom line in action, benefiting people, planet and profit.”
When determining LEED certifications, credit is distributed across six categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design. Additional points may be earned for regional priority and innovation in design.
According to Garth Shaw, GSBS Principal and LEED expert, “When designing buildings, project teams, including owners, have many sustainable design choices that don't necessarily cost more. We work with our clients creating healthy, resource-efficient, cost-effective spaces which enhance the experiences of everyone who walks through the doors,” he said. “By bringing the good in — like clean air and access to daylight — and keeping the bad out—including harmful chemicals found in paints, finishes and more – we optimize the well-being of our lives and planet.”