Thornton Tomasetti announced that the Acadia Gateway Center administrative and maintenance facility has received LEED Gold Certification. Fore Solutions, the green building consulting company acquired by Thornton Tomasetti in 2012, provided LEED consulting services for the project located in Trenton, Maine at the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
Fore Solutions was hired by the mechanical engineer on this project, Allied Engineering in Portland Maine, to provide LEED consulting. In this role, Fore Solutions reviewed the energy model, tracked compliance with LEED throughout design and construction and reviewed and submitted LEED documentation to the Green Building Certification Institute.
The Acadia Gateway Center administrative and maintenance facility is the first phase of a multi-phased project to implement a Transportation Demand Management Plan for Acadia National Park in order to reduce automobile traffic on Mount Desert Island. Phase I of the project consists of a 22,000-square-foot center located on Route 3 in Trenton, Maine that will function first as a bus maintenance and storage facility for the seasonal Island Explorer bus system and as a summertime park-and-ride parking lot for people who want to ride the propane-powered buses onto Mount Desert Island.
The second phase will include a visitor center and intermodal facility for the Island Explorer bus service.
Key points:
- This $14.7-million facility was funded through a combination of federal and state sources, including $11.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration.
- The Acadia Gateway Center is anticipated to reduce more than 10 million vehicle miles per year with the Island Explorer buses. Local bus routes will stop at the park and ride on-site to connect building visitors and staff to the surrounding area. Preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles is being provided for employees and visitors.
- Water used to wash buses is collected, filtered and reused – reducing water demand by 88%. No irrigation will be used on-site and temporary irrigation will only be provided for one year.
- The project demonstrates a 38.3% improvement in the building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance in ASHRAE-90.1-2004. Energy efficiency measures include an improved thermal envelope, high-efficiency glazing, reduced interior lighting power density and high-efficiency HVAC systems.
- Solar collectors are being used on the project to pre-heat domestic water for the domestic hot water system. Roof materials with a high SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) value have been installed on the roof.
- Materials with recycled content and local materials were used in the project wherever possible, and 70% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
- Low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet and composite wood materials are being used in the project.
- Accessible temperature and lighting controls have been installed for building occupants. +
Related Stories
Architects | Dec 1, 2017
The third wave of urban waterfront development
The nature of waterfront redevelopment has been evolutionary, in the truest sense of the word.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 29, 2017
First Porsche, now Aston Martin: Sports car maker co-develops Miami condo tower *UPDATED
The 391-unit Aston Martin Residences will feature seven penthouses and a duplex penthouse, all with private pools and terraces overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Industry Research | Nov 28, 2017
2018 outlook: Economists point to slowdown, AEC professionals say ‘no way’
Multifamily housing and senior living developments head the list of the hottest sectors heading into 2018, according a survey of 356 AEC professionals.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 28, 2017
Elementary school, daycare campus will serve Toronto’s skyrise neighborhood
The $65 million Canoe Landing Campus brings much needed social infrastructure to the 20,000 residents of Toronto’s CityPlace towers.
Architects | Nov 28, 2017
Adding value through integrated technology requires a human touch
To help strike that delicate balance between the human and the high-tech, we must first have an in-depth understanding of our client’s needs as well as a manufacturer’s capabilities.
Architects | Nov 17, 2017
How to leverage historic tax credits
About 90% of the time prospective clients are not aware of historic tax credits.
Sponsored | Architects | Nov 16, 2017
Growing your AEC firm through an exceptional client experience
Many small AEC firms don’t feel they have the time to focus and create clear marketing messages.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 15, 2017
6 noteworthy multifamily developments: artists housing, tech lofts, resort-style senior living
These recently completed projects represent emerging trends and design innovations in the multifamily sector.
Architects | Nov 9, 2017
AECOM and Van Alen Institute announce four Urban SOS® 2017 finalists with bold ideas for creating more equitable cities
Multidisciplinary student teams were challenged to redefine the traditional “hour city” radius, providing broader access to opportunity.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 8, 2017
No place like home: LA’s The Six provides permanent supportive housing for veterans
The 52-unit development gives hope and dignity to homeless or disabled veterans and others in need.
