October 23, 2006 —Abercorn Common shopping center in Savannah , Georgia , is the first all-retail project in the nation to achieve the USGBC’s Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Core & Shell (LEED-CS) designation. Melaver, Inc., which developed the Abercorn Plaza in the 1960s, renovated the center as a pilot project in the US Green Building Council’s Core and Shell program.
The renovation, completed in March 2006, has several big box retailers, including Circuit City, Michael’s, and Home Goods, as well as eateries like Panera Bread and Loco’s Deli. Loco’s Deli is pursuing LEED Commercial Interiors (CI) certification. The development also includes the first LEED-CS McDonald’s, which recently received a Gold rating.
The high-performing retail center is designed to be 55 percent more water efficient than required by the 1992 Energy Policy Act, through the use of such technologies as water-free urinals, ultra-low-flow toilets, and low-flow faucets.
Preferred parking spaces are provided for shoppers driving hybrid vehicles, and the center is located within 1/4 mile of three different bus lines. Bike racks and showers are provided for tenants.
The building envelope includes a white reflective roof, efficient glazing, joint sealing, and increased wall and roof insulation. This, coupled with high-efficiency light fixtures and HVAC equipment, will help reduce energy consumption so the building will be 30 percent more energy efficient than code (ASHRAE 90.1), says Melaver.
Eighty-five percent of all construction debris, more than 6,000 tons of material, was kept out of the landfill through recycling or reuse, according to the developer. Materials were selected that have high recycled material content, and over 70 percent of materials were manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project site.
According to Melaver, low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, sealants, and adhesives were used throughout the project to improve indoor air quality. MERV 13 filters were also used, and high-efficiency HVAC units will reportedly ensure healthy levels of outside air and moisture control.
For more details about the project, visit Abercorn Common.
