| 3/1/2006: Environmentally-friendly Abercorn Common charts new territory for green development |
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DDI Design & Display Ideas special report: green design LEEDing the way By Sree Roy, Associate Editor MARCH 01, 2006 -- The "hybrid vehicle parking only" signs at Savannah, Ga.'s Abercorn Common are the first indication that this is not a typical retail development. Indeed, the 172,000-sq.-ft. complex is slated to be the first all-retail development to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Developed by Melaver Inc., a real estate firm that specializes in green projects-its own headquarters building in Savannah is certified under LEED for Commercial Interiors-the $30 million Abercorn Common, consisting of new construction and renovation, was designed under the guidelines of LEED Core and Shell. "It's really a belief in the way to construct a property, and we feel there's definitely a right and wrong way to pursue a development," says Randy Peacock, project manager at Melaver Inc., about the company's decision to apply for LEED certification with Abercorn Common. Tommy Linstroth, Melaver's head of sustainable initiatives, adds, "A third-party verification gives credibility to claims being made. And, we had a framework already in front of us. It gave us a rating solution to follow." For the bulk of the project, Melaver Inc. hired Atlanta-based architecture firm Ozell Stankus Associates Architects. "Melaver set a high importance on the design standards of the center," says Roman Stankus, the firm's vice president. "We had to transition from what was pretty much an everyday strip shopping center to a more upscale design. For the owner, I think it was about charting some new territory and establishing themselves in the marketplace." Striving for certification under LEED's core and shell designation, Abercorn Common's environmentally-friendly aspects include its building envelope, roof, HVAC system and some lighting and restrooms, among other areas. Perhaps one of the greenest features of Abercorn Common is a rainwater-collecting cistern located near the back of the property. The cistern, which collects roughly 5 million gallons of rainwater per year from the roofs of the shopping center's buildings, provides for 100 percent of the development's irrigation needs. Three decorative fountains on the site also use rainwater captured by the system. "There were credits available for reducing domestic water use and using rainwater from the site for irrigation purposes," Stankus says. "It seemed like a win-win to be able to harness the water on site and reuse it." The entire complex is more than 30 percent more water-efficient than a typical shopping center. "We used high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, such as ultra-low flow toilets," Linstroth says. Waterless urinals are used in the men's bathrooms. Linstroth adds, "The faucets in the restrooms are all on timers, so they only run for 15 seconds. You can't just leave a faucet running." Porous pavement is incorporated throughout the center's parking lots to let stormwater drain naturally and reduce local flooding. "Whenever you do a development in Savannah, you're required to not increase stormwater runoff. Most developments shoot to maintain 'zero.' They're not adding to it, but they're not greatly helping it either," Peacock says. "With such a huge site, we felt it was an opportunity for us to maybe have a positive impact by reducing the amount of stormwater flow. So, we installed porous pavement in key locations and designed it in a manner where stormwater will pass over porous paving on the way to storm inlets." A tighter building envelope is another green building technique used in the center. Insulation was added, so the envelope is less capable of gaining and losing heat. Highly-reflective white roofs also steer away heat, lowering the amount of HVAC needed, which also saves money on utility bills. According to Melaver Inc., the center is about 30 percent more efficient than a typical retail complex. Many of the materials used to build Abercorn Common were recycled or manufactured within a 500-mile radius, cutting down on transportation emissions. Stankus says it was not that difficult to locate architectural materials that would help earn credits toward LEED-certification. "I think many traditional high-quality materials typically fall into the LEED categories," Stankus says. "We had to make sure specific materials we found were available within a 500 mile radius, but brick, stucco and many masonry materials are all LEED-appropriate and are part of the tradition of Savannah construction." Tenants of Abercorn Common are not required to be individually certified, but several have chosen to be, including the first-ever LEED-certified McDonald's restaurant. Designed by Adams + Associates Architecture, Mooresville, N.C., the McDonald's features large windows that allow daylight to reach 75 percent of the interior of the restaurant, reducing lighting costs. It also boasts bike racks, preferred parking for hybrid vehicles, porous pavement and a white roof. Melaver Inc. encourages all tenants to adopt green practices. "We've created tenant guidelines, including suggestions about indoor air quality, paints, sealants, etcetera, that they can use," Linstroth says. "We also provide information on the LEED for Commercial Interiors program." Peacock adds that many tenants are willing to go green when they see its practical benefits. "We'll say: 'Do you want to have a cleaner air quality?' and tenants will respond that no one's ever asked them that before," Peacock says. "Or, we'll show them ways to save water. Operations managers love stuff like that." Consumers may soon recognize and love all the eco-friendly benefits of Abercorn Common as well. Melaver Inc. is currently developing signage and tour programs for the complex to educate customers about green building. |