University of Dayton’s First LEED Project Certified
A big congratulations goes out to the University of Dayton for receiving their first LEED certified project through the U.S. Green Building Council. The University of Dayton and GE Aviation teamed together to build the GE Aviation Electrical Power Integrated Systems Center also known as EPISCenter. The project received LEED gold certification from the Council. The $53 million EPISCenter Project provides high tech facilities to allow commercial and government researchers to test electrical power systems in airplanes. The 138,000-square-foot facility employs 70 research personnel. That employment figure could grow to 200 research employees within five years.
The Kleingers Group provided civil engineering, surveying, landscape architecture and zoning entitlement services on the project. Our contribution to the LEED design included high efficiency parking stall layouts and the design of sustainable rain garden infrastructure throughout the site. We would like to thank our fellow team members on a successful project: Hastings & Chivetta Architects, the University of Dayton, Heapy Engineering, Shell & Meyer, and CityWide Development.
Photo Credit: GE Aviation
LEED/Sustainable Design
When you’re in the business of developing land and infrastructure, it may seem disingenuous to talk about sustainability and conserving natural resources. But as we see it, our business is building better communities – and that means designing sites that are not only better for the environment, but more cost effective for the owner to operate and healthier for the people who use them.
In fact, The Kleingers Group was one of the first civil engineering and development firms in Ohio to have LEED®-accredited engineers and project designers on staff. We now employ 11 LEED APs, earning the distinguished position of having more LEED accredited engineers than any other civil engineering firm in Ohio. In 2007, we completed civil engineering design for Ohio’s first LEED Silver-certified public K-12 school, Pleasant Ridge Montessori.
We view each of our projects as an opportunity to affect positive change, and we provide our clients with greener options to enhance the overall value of their product.
What is LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary national standard created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998 for the purpose of developing high-performance building guidelines. Emphasizing initiatives such as sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency and materials selection, LEED awards certification at various levels based on performance benchmarks, or “credits,” awarded upon completion of the project.
Why incorporate sustainable design
principles into your next project?
Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, high-performance buildings reduce energy costs while improving indoor air quality, increasing occupant comfort and productivity, and enhancing asset value. In many cases, the construction cost of a high-performance building is only 6-8% of the total lifetime cost of the structure; operating costs make up the remaining 92-94%. Studies have shown that sustainable design can reduce these operating costs as much as 50% annually, maximizing the owner’s return on investment.
Why work with a LEED-accredited civil engineer?
LEED accreditation provides a thorough understanding of sustainable design principles and the certification process – from documentation and registration to eligibility of the project for LEED credits. As one of only a handful of companies in the state of Ohio with LEED-accredited civil engineers, The Kleingers Group has the experience and expertise to ensure a smooth sail toward certification.
Learn more about LEED and the USGBC: