The DC Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) will be certified under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for New Construction Version 2.2.  The LEED rating system ranks projects in four categories, certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, based on the number of points they obtain.

The original design requirements included a LEED Silver facility.  Currently the project is tracking LEED Gold.  This is considered a great accomplishment by the District and the design team particularly since laboratory buildings traditionally demand a tremendous amount of energy, such as the number of air changes required to maintain the temperature and humidity in a laboratory space. 

The CFL project accumulated the LEED points utilizing a combination of innovative design features including the implementation of chilled beams for mechanical loads.  The mechanical system has contributed to over 28% energy savings, a 50% reduction in the air handler size, and a substantial reduction in the central plant as well.  In addition, the CFL will include a green roof and a cistern system for rain water collection.  The retained water will be used for cooling and should significantly reduce the annual water consumption.  Other LEED points were achieved by specifying plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption and by selecting environmentally friendly building materials.

LEED certification however does not stop in the design phase.  The construction documents will include a requirement for the general construction (GC) contractor to recycle or reclaim 70% of the construction waste.  They will also be responsible for commissioning the building to ensure that it is running as efficiently as the design and science dictates. 

The District, as the owners, will have their part in ensuring that the LEED points are achieved and maintained as well.  The District has committed that post-occupancy, the facility will have car pool spots, car sharing, and bike parking for employees.  This commitment translates to achieving additional LEED points. The District and the design team are committed and intent on making the CFL facility a landmark building for today and the future.   

The USGBC is a non-profit independent agency dedicated to promoting sustainable business practices.  It is comprised of thousands of building professions, owners, developers, manufacturers, and designers.  Through the input of all parties, they have developed many different LEED rating systems.  Within each rating system there are different levels of certifications.  For more information on LEED and the certification requirements for New Construction (NC), please visit their website at this link: www.usgbc.org

For additional information on the CFL project, please visit the project website (www.cfl.opm.dc.gov).