Projects seeking Silver, Gold or Platinum LEED certification gain points for design and construction elements that address sustainability. The Collins Park Garage minimizes the heat island effect, reduces indoor and outdoor water use, increases energy efficiency, and utilized recycled and sustainable materials as well as regional materials that support the local economy.
According to City Manager Alina Hudak, the project demonstrates how the City “incorporate[s] sustainable design and construction practices in our critical infrastructure projects without sacrificing aesthetics.”
Specific sustainability elements outlined in an announcement of the certification include:
- Use of a so-called cool roof, which incorporates thermoplastic polyolefin to minimize the heat island effect.
- Reduction of water use for outdoor purposes by 81% through a combination of native plants and smart irrigation.
- Reduction of indoor potable water use by 47% through the installation of efficient plumbing fixtures in bathrooms, part of the garage and retail spaces.
- Efficient HVAC and lighting energy systems, tight building envelope and facades as well as the use of highly reflective surfaces to achieve demonstrated energy efficiency savings of approximately 35% over typical baseline buildings.
- Low-emitting (very low to zero volatile organic content) materials such as paints and adhesives, materials with high proportions of recycled or sustainable content as well regional materials that support the local economy.
Through Miami Beach’s Green Building Ordinance, new construction of over 7,000 square feet or ground floor additions to existing structures that encompass more than 10,000 square feet of additional floor area, must be LEED Gold certified or Living Building Challenge certified.
Miami Beach itself achieved Gold certification under LEED for Cities and Communities “for its efforts to implement practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for residents,” according a recent press release.
The garage contains 513 parking spaces and approximately 16,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the ground level which has been discussed for future cultural use.
Rendering Shulman + Associates
