The City of Williamsburg Municipal Building has been awarded LEED® Silver, established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED® is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

“By using less energy and water, the Municipal Building saves money; reduces greenhouse gas emissions; and contributes to a healthier environment for residents, City staff and the entire Williamsburg community,” said Jack Tuttle, Williamsburg City Manager. “Attaining the LEED® Silver Certification is a source of pride for the City and the result of the conscientiousness, determination and expertise of City staff, Guernsey and Tingle architects and David A. Nice builders.”

The Municipal Building project was completed in February 2011 and included a renovation of the original 22,800 square foot 1988 building and a 16,800 square foot addition. It earned 36 out of 36 attempted points and achieved LEED® certification for a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:

• Building energy use was reduced from $2.47/SF before renovation to less than $1.36/SF after
• Building energy use is 21% better performance than the standard – ASHRAE 90.1.
• There was a 45% building water use reduction through the use of high-efficiency fixtures
• 23% of the building materials contain recycled content
• 27% of the building’s materials were regionally sourced to reduce the energy impact of transportation
• A variable air volume (VAV) geothermal HVAC system was used with 96 wells under the parking lot
• Geothermally heated hot water was used for the reheat coils in the VAV boxes
• Energy recovery ventilators were used to reduce the impact of heating/cooling fresh air
• Daylighting and lighting control systems to reduce energy use from building lighting
• All building materials were low-VOC content materials to ensure good indoor air quality.
• Pervious paving was used in the parking lot to help control stormwater runoff

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Williamsburg Municipal Building project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

For more information visit www.usgbc.org or contact Kate Hoving at 757-220-6197 or khoving@williamsburgva.gov.