Florida Construction News staff writer
St. Petersburg’s new Benjamin F. Shirley Sr. Sanitation Building has received LEED Gold certification, recognizing the facility for its energy efficiency, water conservation, construction waste reduction and resilience features.
Designed by One of the building’s most significant features is its solar energy system, which LEED analysis found can generate more than 100 per cent of the facility’s annual energy needs. The building also uses 34 per cent less energy than a standard building.
Water conservation measures include a 35.39 per cent reduction in indoor water use. Irrigation uses 99.87 per cent less potable water than conventional irrigation systems.
During construction, at least 75 per cent of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
The facility was also designed to continue supporting essential municipal services during disruptions to regular utility service. Backup power and other resilience measures are intended to keep the building operational when the grid is interrupted.
Other features include energy-efficient LED lighting, measures to reduce heat and light pollution and electric-vehicle charging stations.
“The Benjamin F. Shirley Sr. Sanitation Building sets the standard for environmental responsibility and this certification is a testament of St. Pete’s ongoing commitment to creating innovative and resilient infrastructure,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch.
“Sanitation is critical to any city or municipality’s infrastructure and I’m proud that our City can be recognized for this effort. This state-of-the-art facility will serve our community for generations to come and I want to thank our City team for continuing to set the standard for public service.”
LEED is one of the most widely recognized green-building certification programs in the world. The certification evaluates buildings across areas including energy and water efficiency, materials, indoor environmental quality and site sustainability.
