LEED buildings a growing trend in Cherokee
by Ashley Fuller
February 2010
afuller@cherokeetribune.com

Another Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building is coming to Cherokee County, part of what industry experts see as a growing “green” trend.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners this month was presented with LEED Silver Certification for its new Administration Building and Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center facility at The Bluffs in Canton.

And in Woodstock, construction is set to begin on what will be the first LEED-certified medical facility, the new offices of Woodstock ENT.

The LEED “green” environmentally sensitive building rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and provides standards for environm entally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings.

Areas that qualify the county government’s building for certification include: indoor environmental air quality, reduced heat island effect, water efficiency, materials and resources, alternative transportation and green building education. The features that accomplish this include: a white roof that reflects sunlight to reduce energy use, landscaping with native plants that require little or no watering, low-flow water fixtures, use of recycled content, an on-site recycling program and priority parking spots for energy efficient vehicles and carpoolers.

County Manager Jerry Cooper said the total annual savings because of the LEED features is estimated at $75,000. The 20-year savings will reach an estimated $1.5 million.

The new building for Woodstock ENT should open by November, according to Mark Wilde, a partner with CKW and Associates, the design and construction firm d eveloping the facility.

The groundbreaking for the 4,600-square-foot private ear, nose and throat practice on Highway 92 between Interstate 575 and downtown Woodstock is scheduled for May 1.

The building will use heating, air-conditioning and mechanical systems and lighting packages with high energy efficiency ratings. Recycled products will also be incorporated in construction.

Wilde said Dr. Michael Pratt, owner of the practice, was interested in LEED certification because it would be a “really good thing for his practice and the community.

“Being a good steward of my property and my medical practice building is an extension of my commitment to this community and my patients,” Pratt said.

Wilde said more clients are considering LEED certification.

Five years ago, he said, governments and universities were the only entities eyeing LEED certification, which also is an option for everything from private busin esses to residences.

“I have really started to see it trickle down to the small business person,” he said, adding it makes practical sense from an ownership standpoint due to the energy cost savings. “I think you will start to see a little bit of a trend.”