TranSystems' Design Receives USGBC's LEED® Silver Certification

Charleston, S.C. – TranSystems, an industry leader in providing complete solutions to the transportation challenges of its clients, recently announced that it has been awarded LEED® Silver Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) for its design of a 144-person dormitory at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

“The entire team pulled together to create this high performance dormitory for the Air Force. Through predevelopment planning we were able to minimize costs while maximizing sustainable opportunities.” From David Campbell, AIA LEED, project manager for TranSystems’ Ft. Worth office.

TranSystems achieved LEED certification for its use of an innovative geothermal heating and air conditioning system, high efficiency lighting and air handlers, ground source heat pumps to improve cooling loads and provide domestic hot water, as well as sitting the building on an existing developed site above a contaminated aquifer (currently being remediated), removing parking and roads to create a more park like setting. “For the benefit of the airmen living at Shaw AFB, we concentrated on improving the day lighting and views, as well as reducing the amount of pollutants that invade their indoor environment,” said Campbell.

“TranSystems’ LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Found Chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and TranSystems serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”

LEED Silver Certification was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:
- Projected 39.8% energy savings
- 180 geothermal walls
- Remediation of Brownfield site
- Enhanced day lighting and views
- Reduced storm water runoff
- Energy Star roofing
- High performance regional materials
- Zero square footage loss
- High efficiency lighting
• Employs ground source heat pump for HVAC and domestic hot water