Florida Construction News staff writer
Tampa’s City Center at Hanna Avenue has achieved one of the most prestigious green building certifications for its commitment to sustainability, resilience, and equity.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded gold-level LEED certification to the site.
As more organizations look to create buildings that promote the health of its occupants, reduce contribution to global climate change, and provide cost-savings over the life of the building, LEED certification rates are increasing, however, a small percentage achieve the highest levels (gold and platinum).
“Home of the first publicly-available electric vehicle charging stations in East Tampa and the largest rooftop solar project in the entire city, City Center at Hanna Avenue proves our commitment to our environment and our people,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Sustainability, resilience, and equity are deeply woven into this project, and many others we have in the pipeline, to ensure we are Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow in a sustainable way.”
LEED principles at the City Center
27 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the campus
36 preferred spaces reserved for green vehicles
Bicycle storage, coupled with ADA-accessible shower and changing rooms to promote bicycle commuting
30% (144,400 sq. ft.) of open space
75% of the open space is landscaped with native plants that use less water than traditional landscaping
35% reduction in indoor water use, using low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads
50% reduction in outdoor water use, using native plants and efficient irrigation techniques
Over 1 megawatt of on-site solar
Over 70% of construction and demotion waste was diverted from a landfill through a comprehensive recycling program
Third-party certified healthy materials were used to promote a healthy indoor air environment, which helps improve occupancy comfort, productivity, and health
Originally a brownfield site with a warehouse, the clean up ahead of City Center’s construction ultimately resulted in the site being removed from the brownfield list. Now, the stunning 161,000 sq. ft. building and adjacent green space, known as “Hanna Square,” serves as a centralized location for several city departments, also offering large community spaces for gatherings and meetings.
