Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Friday, July 23, 2010
Arlington’s Reed-Westover Project Receives Gold LEED Certification
- Joint County-APS project is community landmark
- Reed-Westover recognized for sustainable design, energy-saving measures
ARLINGTON, VA. -- The new Reed-Westover Facility, a joint project between Arlington
Public Schools and the Arlington County Government, has been awarded Gold Certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The joint facility includes the Reed School which houses the district’s teen parenting program and the Children’s School and Integration Station, a countywide preschool program, and the Arlington Public Library’s new Westover Branch. The facility was completed and dedicated in October 2009.
“This project is a tribute to the close collaboration and partnership that we enjoy with Arlington County to enhance our instructional program and to provide excellent facilities, services and support to our students and the entire community,” said Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy.
“Sustainable design and construction with a focus on energy efficiency are top priorities for Arlington County,” said Deputy County Manager Marsha Allgeier. “The Westover-Reed project is an excellent example of Arlington’s commitment to sustainable communities. We are proud of our cooperative efforts with Arlington Public Schools on this community landmark.”
LEED, a national benchmark
The LEED rating system was designed by the USGBC to encourage and facilitate the development of more sustainable buildings. The rating system, the national benchmark for the design, construction, and operations of high-performance green buildings, is divided into five categories including; water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. There is also a category on innovation and design process.
Buildings receive points for each of the LEED rating system categories. A building needs at least 39 points to achieve a Gold rating. The Reed Westover facility received 40 points from the USGBC, using the following strategies:
- Low-emitting paints, adhesives, sealants and carpet used for better air quality
- Utilization of a green housekeeping program
- Conveniently located bike racks
- Facility located within 1/4 mile of four public bus lines and approximately a mile from the Falls Church Metro station
- Landscaping not requiring permanent irrigation
- Thermal comfort verification
- Use of waterless urinals, dual flush toilets and low-flow plumbing fixtures
- Highly efficient lighting to reduce electrical consumption
- Showers for bicycle commuters in the school and library
- A large glass wall façade of the Library’s Children’s Reading Room maximizes day-lighting to save energy and supports student’s well-being by providing views to the outdoors
The project also preserved a portion of the original brick school building. Although not part of the final LEED rating determination, reusing existing structures is one of the “greenest” techniques available as it reduces construction waste and eliminates the need to use new construction materials. For nearly 75 years, the Reed School is a civic building that has been an anchor in the community.
Reed-Westover was designed by Cox Graae + Spack Architects. Sustainable Design was the LEED consultant. The General Contractor for the project was Grunley Construction. Visit the APS website for information about the project, or contact APS at: 703-228-6005.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.