Mayfair Woods Awarded LEED-CS Silver Certification

08/04/2008

Milwaukee – Irgens Development Partners, LLC’s commitment to minimizing the footprint of their newest commercial development and focusing on sustainable design principles received validation this week when Mayfair Woods Business & Technology Center was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for the Core & Shell of the Building from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

 

LEED was developed by the USGBC and provides a comprehensive system of standards for environmentally sound practices across all aspects of development and construction. In addition to raising awareness and promoting the benefits of “green building,” achieving certification grants recognition to the leaders in sustainable practices, from new construction to the renovation of existing buildings.

 

LEED status gives consideration to six major areas: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process. After a building is submitted for certification, points are awarded for compliance in these areas. The LEED for Core & Shell rating system encourages the implementation of green design and construction practices in areas over which the developer has control – specifically base building elements such as site, structure, envelope and the HVAC system.

 

Irgens has made great strides in incorporating green design principles into its development process. The firm has received Green Globe certification for buildings in both Illinois and Arizona, actually leading the “green” initiative by having the first certified building in Arizona.

 

The 10.8 acre Mayfair Woods site is located within the Milwaukee County Research Park. The modern 163,350 square foot five-story building conforms to the land and compliments the existing topography. The project team focused on preserving the site, ensuring large portions of the greenspace areas remain untouched. Storm water runoff is managed and recovered in retention ponds on the property. Elements such as green space buffers, extensively wooded areas, activity trails, a pond and natural waterway are highlights of the property.

 

High-energy efficient glass, low impact materials with recycled content and extensive use of daylighting were incorporated to support the long-term goal of lower operating costs. The project use local vendors/providers and established a recycling initiative for construction materials.

 

“As leaders in the development industry, Irgens wanted to be proactive in implementing the green initiative. Not only do we try to be good stewards in our developments, but we want try to do our part in supporting our community to maintain the natural beauty of the City of Wauwatosa,” said Jaclynn Walsh, a Principal with Irgens Development Partners, LLC.