Berman Indictor LLP and U.S. Facilities, Inc. Both Achieved LEED Platinum Certification

Two tenants at 2.0 University Place, a LEED Platinum certified commercial office building in West Philadelphia, recently achieved Platinum certification under the LEED 2009 for Commercial Interiors Rating System. Berman Indictor, LLP is a Philadelphia-based law practice, providing real estate, tax, and corporate law services. U.S. Facilities, Inc. is a Philadelphia-based building management company. University Place Associates, the owner and developer of 2.0 University Place, made the ambitious commitment to build only LEED Platinum for base buildings and interior fit-outs, thus each fit-out strived to achieve the same. The Sheward Partnership was chosen as the LEED and Sustainability Consultant for this project.

2.0 University Place is located in a high-density, urban location in the heart of West Philadelphia. The site has excellent accessibility to alternative modes of transportation. Bicycle racks and shower facilities encourage bicycling to work. Also, the building is in close proximity to public transportation such as bus, trolley, subway, regional rail, and Amtrak train services. These amenities contributed to the building’s LEED Platinum achievement as they reduce the amount of single-occupant, conventionally fueled vehicles on the road, and the associated fuel consumption and smog-forming emissions.

Energy Efficiency
One of the major goals of the project was energy optimization. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, “For commercial interior projects, the reduction of interior lighting power stands to be the greatest energy conservation method available.” Both office spaces are equipped with LED lighting throughout, which is significantly more energy efficient than conventional lighting technologies like incandescent and fluorescent. LED lighting utilizes less electricity while providing superior lighting levels for building occupants.

Additionally each fit-out is equipped with an innovative heating, cooling, and ventilation system called chilled beam. The chilled beam system balances energy efficiency with improved thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Also, the chilled beam system is connected to a 100% outside air ventilation unit. Increased levels of outside air create a healthier environment for building occupants. Lastly, the chilled beam technology is extremely quiet, providing better acoustics for a professional working environment.

In order to determine anticipated energy use, the project team created a computer simulation energy model for each fit-out. The energy models projected 31% energy cost savings when compared to a code compliant baseline. Reductions in electricity and natural gas use thereby minimize fossil fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

LEED Platinum
Administered by the US Green Building Council, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. Both Berman Indictor LLP and U.S. Facilities, Inc. achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest standard under the prestigious LEED Rating System. Congratulations on achieving such a high honor and contributing to the ongoing energy savings at 2.0 University Place!

Project Team
Owner: University Place Associates
Architect: Shraga Studios, L2Partridge
MEP Engineer: Mark Ulrick Engineers, Inc.
Commissioning Agent: Bala Consulting Engineers
Construction Manager: Shraga Studios