Green is Gold for EPA buildings in VA

Washington Business Journal - September 1-7, 2006

An Arlington office project for the federal government has won a top award for its environmentally friendly design, and the tenant seems most appropriate: the Environmental Protection Agency.

The U.S. Green Building Council on July 25 awarded One and Two Potomac Yard the first gold rating for new construction in the Washington area under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

The two 12-story buildings, developed by Crescent Resources, are the new home for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response and Office of Prevention Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

The General Services Administration's National Capital Region (NCR) signed a lease for 405,177 rentable square feet in the two buildings in mid-2004, construction was finished by April 2006, and the 1,600 EPA employees finished their move-in two months later.

GSA and EPA worked closely with Crescent Resources in making the buildings as environmentally sustainable as possible. Arlington County also played a significant role, encouraging Crescent Resources and assisting the developer in obtaining improved Metro service.

"For over 35 years, EPA has been greening our nation's landscape," says EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson. "By committing to renewable energy and water efficiency, the agency is meeting President Bush's call to green our nation's building practices."

The new buildings have highly reflective roof coverings so the two office towers reduce heat absorption, and the four-story connecting wing features a 1,700-square-foot green roof with a patio accessible to EPA employees. Storm-water runoff will be filtered through below-grade sand pits before going into the Potomac River, reducing total suspended solids by more than 80 percent and phosphorous by 40 percent.

Inside, energy consumption is dramatically reduced through automated controls for mechanical systems and artificial lighting tailored to satisfy specific needs. Lighting along the window walls is controlled by daylight sensors to reduce the intensity when natural light is abundant. Away from the windows, overhead lighting supplies a lower-than-usual amount of ambient light, supplemented by individually controlled task lighting at each workstation.

EPA bought ergonomic chairs, systems furniture, shelving and appliances. The office furnishings contain 35 to 40 percent recycled material. Floor coverings also have substantial amounts of recycled materials. All interior furnishings, finishes and coverings are certified for indoor air quality.

Potomac Yard is four blocks from the Crystal City Metro station and near a Virginia Railway Express station. Metro entered into an agreement with EPA to provide free shuttle-bus service to the agency's employees, with EPA contributing funds to cover the cost. Service is provided every six minutes during rush hour and every 12 minutes midday.

"This is a tremendously exciting project, demonstrating GSA and EPA's support for public transit and sustainable building technologies," says Ann Everett, NCR's acting regional administrator.

In addition to being "green," the new buildings provide a beautiful place to work. The exterior finishes consist of granite, precast concrete panels and brick, with brushed aluminum window and door frames. Inside, the workspace is flooded with natural light pouring in through the 9-foot-high windows.

Conference-room space on each floor is on the east side, with stunning views of the Potomac River and the nation's capital. Amenities include a large exercise room and a health clinic, along with two pantries containing highly efficient appliances on every floor. Immediately to the north of the buildings is a garden with drought-resistant vegetation.

Davis Carter Scott is the architect of record for One and Two Potomac Yard, with the exterior designed by Pickard Chilton and the interior by Metropolitan Architects & Planners. The general contractor was James G. Davis Construction.

"Crescent Resources has shown a great deal of creativity and perseverance," says Bart Bush, NCR assistant regional administrator. "They began with a speculative office project that was not focused on green building technology or federal security standards."

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