Two H2M projects awarded the 2009 Green Building Award from Perspective New York Magazine

According to H2M, a multi-disciplined architectural, engineering, planning and environmental service firm, Perspective New York Magazine awarded two H2M projects the 2009 Green Building Award. The Sayville Library in Sayville, was awarded first place in the mixed-use and industrial buildings category. The Circulo de la Hispanidad Center in Hempstead won an honorable mention in the same category. The new Sayville Library provides additional children's and young adult spaces. New multi-purpose and meeting rooms were designed for this 38,000 s/f building. Sustainability and energy efficiency were high priorities to the library. Many features were included such as; a geothermal heating/cooling system, photovoltaic solar panels to produce electric and close attention to indoor space and air quality and comfort was considered as well. The new Circulo de la Hispanidad Center will provide daycare facilities for 76 children. The project also includes a 10,000 s/f multipurpose room with a full commercial kitchen and dining room. The second floor includes classroom and office spaces for a charter school for elementary age children as well as various other cultural and social community programs. The building is approximately 35,700 s/f. This project was designed as a green, energy conscious and energy efficient building and is seeking LEED certification. Among the many features of the project are a white roofing system that will help reduce the heat island affect in the area, water-efficient landscaping that does not require irrigation, a 30% decrease is water usage, stormwater management, use of recycled and regional materials, an energy efficient building envelope and energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems.