SAN ANTONIO – Trane's new 32,000-sq.ft. commercial office building in San Antonio has earned the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED Silver certification for Commercial Interiors. It is the fourth LEED certified building in San Antonio.
The office building was built in four months, accommodates 75 employees and met LEED for Commercial Interiors standards – the green benchmark for the tenant improvement market. LEED-CI is the recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy, productive places to work, are less costly to operate and maintain a reduced environmental footprint.
"Creating a LEED-certified work environment is responsible to the environment, good for business and most importantly, great for employee morale and productivity," said Stuart Werner, business leader for Trane's business in San Antonio. "Our office is not only the ideal work environment, but will serve as a green showplace for building owners."
To achieve LEED Silver certification, Trane met stringent credit qualifications in the areas of sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design.
In Trane's new facility, one-third of total building materials used were recycled, and 7% include rapidly renewable materials. Compared to standard office buildings, this building uses 32% less water, mechanical systems consume nearly 50% less energy, and highly efficient lighting systems have 15% less power density.
Environmentally sound materials and practices showcase the Trane office building for customers and employees. Green materials and practices incorporate low-emitting paints, carpets, wood and furniture, and 90% of occupants can partially control their workspace light levels, further reducing energy consumption.
"Trane's building is a tremendous addition to the city of San Antonio because its energy-efficient and sustainable design exemplifies what we hope to become building standards in the area," said Alison Rivenburgh, LEED accredited professional at Sustainable Perspectives Group. "By showcasing the building's innovative HVAC systems as well as water and lighting conservation techniques, Trane is helping illustrate to area businesses and residents the benefits of high-performance designs."
City, community and business leaders will join Trane executives for a two-day grand opening and open house in March, to showcase its high-performance, green office building. Trane will recognize its partners on this project during the open house, including Metropolitan Contracting Company Ltd., Beyer Plumbing Co., Flo-Aire Service and Brandt Engineering Co.
Additional information is available at: http://www.trane.com.