Pictured from left, Jan Pass with Passpointe Engineering, David Patty and Justin Dumsday with Artech Design Group, Fire Chief Randy Parker and Wayne King with Advanced Energy Engineering and Design, Inc. Click to enlarge.
A second fire station belonging to the Chattanooga Fire Department is being recognized for its eco-friendly attributes. Station 4, located at 2181 Bragg Street, has achieved Gold Certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) leading rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest and most energy efficient buildings.
Fire Chief Randy Parker accepted a plaque from USGBC officials, which makes the green designation official. “We’re honored to receive this recognition for building environmentally friendly fire stations,” said Chief Parker. “Station 4 is the second fire station in our fire department to receive LEED Gold certification. In addition to being green, achieving LEED certification also means we’re saving money through improved energy efficiency.”
Construction of Station 4 was completed in July 2009, and was designed by Artech Design Group to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return.
Green features of Station 4:
Energy conservation measures include: ultra-efficient mechanical systems, appliances and lighting, heat reflective roofing, natural light and occupancy sensors
Energy efficient measures should equate to a 23 percent savings in utility costs compared to a standard fire station
Water conservation measures include the use of dual flush toilets, low flow faucets, and pint flush urinals. Consumption of potable water was reduced by 47 percent below standard fixtures. Two bioswales and a landscape swale were installed to retain the rainwater. Even the run-off from the truck washing area is channeled into the bioswale.
A cistern is used to capture rainwater from the roof and then pumped to a spigot for the purpose of washing the fire trucks. Using this system is estimated to save more than 14,000 gallons of water each year.
All interior finishes and cabinetry have little-to-no volatile organic compound (VOC) content
Landscaped with native trees and plants to reduce watering needs
The roof has a highly reflective surface and insulation was added to reach a total R value of 30