BL Harbert International has completed more than 30 LEED-certified projects (ranging from Certified-Platinum) in 29 countries around the globe. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. It provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving buildings. In honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, learn more about how some of our most recent or noteworthy LEED-certified projects that are raising the bar for sustainability.
The New U.S. Embassy in London, United Kingdom | The LEED Platinum building’s lean cubic form helps save energy and cost. Its highly insulated envelope—comprised of an inner envelope of laminated glazing and an outer envelope of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)—minimizes solar gain and glare, reducing demand for cooling and ultimately decreasing the size of mechanical systems and energy use. The design also reduces peak energy demand and employs alternative energy sources like photovoltaics and ground source heat pumps to reduce overall energy consumption.
The New U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger | The LEED Platinum U.S. Embassy in Niamey utilizes a design that respects and incorporates elements of the Nigerian landscape and historic architecture, where simple materials help to mitigate Niger’s subtropical climate.
For example, by incorporating rubbed architectural concrete and multicolored metal panel sunscreens and canopies, the buildings reduce solar heat gain and deflect glare, creating more comfortable interior spaces that require less air conditioning while taking advantage of the abundant daylight. The Embassy in Niamey is the first LEED Platinum facility in West Africa.
The New U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico | The campus is designed to harvest and store rainwater needed for nearly all irrigation use, greatly reducing the demand for local potable water supply systems. Low-flow plumbing fixtures (water closets, urinals, faucets, showerheads) are used, allowing the buildings to consume nearly 30-40% less water than a typical building built to U.S. building codes.
The New U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia | Multiple energy-saving features enhance this LEED Gold compound’s performance, including the use of high-efficiency chillers, low-flow toilet fixtures, and efficient lighting solutions. Wastewater will be treated on-site, recycled, and reused for irrigation, lessening the burden on the city’s utility systems. In addition, energy consumption is reduced by limiting the building’s exposure to solar heat gain through its north-south orientation and use of exterior metal sunshades.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey received LEED Silver Certification. Stay tuned to learn more about the energy-saving features utilized throughout the facility.
Each of these projects is an example of the commitment BL Harbert International has to transform how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. BL Harbert is committed to finding solutions well above the minimum goals. Even the International Group Headquarters office in Birmingham, AL received LEED Gold certification for its sustainability achievements. All of the LEED buildings BL Harbert International has constructed through the years will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation. To learn more about the LEED certifications, please visit usgbc.org/leed.