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For Immediate Release: June 12, 2006

HGA Architects and Engineers First in Wisconsin to Receive New National "Green" Certification

HGA

Milwaukee, WI - HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA) has been awarded the new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Silver certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for the firm's office renovation project located in Milwaukee's Third Ward within the Marine Terminal Building on the Milwaukee River. The project, at 333 East Erie, includes HGA's own new 30,000-square-foot offices, which house the firm's 120 architects and engineers. HGA is the first firm in Wisconsin to receive certification for a commercial interior project under the Green Building Council's system. The recognition is given to new "green" construction of tenant build-out projects rather than the construction of entire buildings. The firm worked with the USGBC as part of a pilot project to refine and test the council's new rating criteria. The LEED-CI certification acknowledges many of the 'green' features HGA planned into the design:

  • Selection of a building previously considered a brownfield for the tenant improvement project. (Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment.)
  • A building within an urban environment with access to public transit and limited off-street parking.
  • The inclusion of bicycle storage, showers and changing rooms to accommodate bikers.
  • The use of water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
  • Energy-efficient lighting.
  • Daylight harvesting lighting controls.
  • Use of high recycled-content materials and furniture.
  • Use of regionally produced materials and furniture.
  • Enhanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) indoor air quality performance.
  • Use of low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials, furniture and interior finishes.
  • Views to the outside for most office occupants.
The Marine Terminal Building was originally constructed in 1914 as a hub for the Chicago, Racine and Milwaukee Line which operated passenger and freight steamers daily between the three cities. Additional project facts include:
  • 81%25 of the construction waste was recycled
  • The facility uses 35%25 less water and 35%25 less energy than typical office space
  • 19%25 of the material components for construction materials and furniture came from recycled sources
  • 49%25 of the construction materials, including furniture, were manufactured regionally
  • 91%25 of the office work areas have views to the outdoors.
"After years of working with clients to incorporate sustainable design elements in their projects, it is exciting to have the pleasure to design and work in a LEED-certified office on a daily basis," said Jim Shields, lead designer of HGA's new offices. "This demonstrates the strength of our commitment to sustainable design. As a growing number of clients recognize the need to be environmentally sensitive and energy conscious, we wanted to show that good design can also be good for the environment." HGA is noted for its commitment to sustainable design with numerous awards for 'green' design with more than 50 LEED-accredited design professionals on staff, one of the highest of any architectural and engineering firm in the nation. In Wisconsin, HGA's recent projects include the Milwaukee area's Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin Biomedical Research Facility, UWM Kenilworth Building, Blood Center of SE Wisconsin - Blood Research Institute Laboratory, and the Harley Davidson Museum. Recent Madison area projects include 100 Wisconsin Avenue, 22 East Mifflin, the Network 222 renovation, planning for Madison Central Public Library renovation and design of the Fitchburg Public Library. :: Marine Terminal Building, HGA Great Lakes Office


HGA Contact: Julie Luers (612) 758-4000 e-mail JLuers@hga.com

Media Contact: Susan Evans, Evans Larson (612) 338-6999 e-mail susan@evanslarson.com

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