Bovis Lend Lease's W!LD Center/Natural History Museum project earns silver LEED certification

According to Bovis Lend Lease LMB, Inc., its client, the W!LD Center/Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks has earned a LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This distinction makes the W!LD Center one of the first LEED certified museums in the state. The museum's design and orientation maximizes the use of year-round natural light. Lighting and control systems combined with a well-insulated building envelope contribute to a highly energy-efficient building. Roof storm water is channeled into the pond next to the building. Composting toilets help reduce water consumption. The museum is designed in an indigenous Adirondacks style with locally available materials. White pine exterior siding was harvested and milled in Tupper Lake, Red Garnet and Champlain stone come from quarries in the park. The metal roofing, concrete and structural steel were supplied and fabricated in local plants. GreenSeal certified finish materials provide a healthy indoor environment. "From day one, we recognized the W!LD Center as leaders, breaking trail delivering a sustainable message that a facility like this can co-exist and benefit nature," said Dick White, Bovis VP/project executive. "Our project teams gained vast knowledge of LEED and sustainable construction practices." Additionally, The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library has submitted paperwork for the LEED certified level. This 39,000 s/f library would be one of the first LEED certified libraries in NYS and has garnered industry and peer recognition. The library received a nearly $409,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for sustainable design and systems. The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library project is targeting 25% better energy performance than ASHRAE-90.1. To achieve this, the building features: a day-lighting design to maximize year-round natural light, light-colored and reflective roof, high-performance window systems, dual flush toilets, premium efficiency chillers and occupancy sensors. No natural wood products were used, including doors, cabinetry and paneling. All these components are manufactured from urea formaldehyde-based resins. "Bovis developed and implemented a construction indoor air quality management plan that protected the HVAC system from construction dust during construction, protected materials from moisture damage, and prohibited smoking in the building after the wall board was installed," said Greg LeVan, Bovis project manager. Bovis Lend Lease a leading international retail and community property group, integrated with strong investment management and construction management businesses. Bovis' aspiration is to be a sustainable organization. At Bovis, they recognize the legacy of their activities and are accountable for what they take, what they create, and what they leave behind.