The U.S. Green Building Council has recognized the City of Scottsdale’s Aviation Business Center with the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. The award recognizes the project for its sustainable, green building qualities.
The Aviation Business Center is a modern two-story 23,250 SF steel building featuring glass facades, wood designer elements and an open design. It serves as the hub for the aviation administration offices, U.S. Customs and Border Protection office, leased office space, public meeting rooms, outdoor plaza, on-site restaurant and a veteran’s memorial.
During the design, staff and the architects worked hard to achieve LEED Gold standards while maintaining the vision, budget and schedule for the project. The building was designed to conserve resources and reduce energy consumption.
“We are proud of achieving gold-level certification,” says Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro. “The goal from the start was to build to a high level of sustainable standards without sacrificing on design.”
The project employed many sustainable strategies including:
- Roofing does not contribute to heat island effect
- Low flow plumbing fixtures
- No CFC based refrigerants
- Building materials that were sourced locally were given preference
- Building materials with a high recycled content were given preference
- Materials and products with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) were used in the interior
- Development of the site in a way that maximizes open space
- Utilization of roofing that minimizes heat island effect
- Onsite renewable energy – Photo-voltaic
- Responsible management of construction waste
- Wood products were harvested sustainably
- Bicycle racks
Most new city buildings strive to be built to LEED Gold standards per Section 2 of Resolution No. 6644. The City of Scottsdale has 14 LEED certified buildings, including four Platinum and now five Gold buildings.
