The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. LEED® projects earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits across nine measurements for building excellence from integrative design to human health to material use. The LEED® systems work for all buildings at all phases of development and are meant to challenge project teams and inspire outside-the-box solutions.
Stony Point Development Group achieved LEED Silver® for the core and shell of Dairy Central Phase 1 by implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Green buildings allow companies to operate more sustainably and give the people inside them a healthier, more comfortable space to work. To ensure sustainability initiatives are continued within the building each prospective tenant received the Tenant Guidelines that outlines implementable sustainability strategies that align with the core and shell sustainability strategies pursued for certification.
“Achieving LEED Silver® is a monumental task and one we are very proud to have accomplished, Especially in a complicated adaptive re-use project like Dairy Market. It requires collaboration from everyone who touches the building. We were blessed with a fantastic project team and deeply committed Owners who pushed Dairy Market over our original target of certification to achieve the recognition of Silver.”
-Josh Batman, Stony Point Development Group Vice President
As a result of sustainable building practices, Dairy Central Phase 1, saw an indoor water use reduction of 32.80% compared to the baseline, which was achieved via low-flow fixtures throughout the building. In addition, Dairy Central Phase 1 saves 16,764 kWh/year of electricity and 13,845 therms/year of natural gas or 6.6% of energy cost savings compared to the baseline.
Coupled with the indoor water use reduction methods and energy cost saving initiatives, there were also several enhanced indoor air quality strategies:
Filtration
Each ventilation system that supplies outdoor air to occupied spaces has particle filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or higher, in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2–2007.
All air filtration media was replaced after completion of construction and before occupancy.
Interior cross-contamination prevention
Spaces where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used (e.g., garages, housekeeping and laundry areas, copying and printing rooms) are sufficiently exhausted at a minimum of 0.50 cfm per square foot to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces when the doors to the room are closed. For each of these spaces, self-closing doors and deck-to-deck partitions or a hard-lid ceiling were provided.
Entryway systems
Permanent entryway systems at least 10 feet (3 meters) long in the primary direction of travel have been installed to capture dirt and particulates entering the building at regularly used exterior entrances. These mats are maintained on a weekly basis.
“The work of innovative building projects like Dairy Phase 1 is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way our buildings are built, designed and operated, Buildings that achieve LEED® certification are lowering carbon emissions, reducing operating costs, and conserving resources while prioritizing sustainable practices and human health. Because of Dairy Phase 1, we are increasing the number of green buildings and getting closer to USGBC’s goal to outpace conventional buildings, while being environmentally and socially responsible and improving quality of life for generations to come.”
-Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC
Project partners on Dairy Phase 1:
Cunning Ham Quill Architects, LPA , Hourigan, STRUCTR Advisors, Water Street Studio, Timmons Group, City of Charlottesville, Thalhimer, Retro Hospitality
About Stony Point Development Group
Stony Point Development Group is an award-winning real estate development firm headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. Stony Point's mission is creating great places and enhancing lives through the built environment. The company is uniquely focused on community building in high quality, walkable locations with connections to natural amenities. It acquires, builds, and operates mixed asset development projects primarily focused on housing, office, and experiential retail. Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Dairy Central
Dairy Central is a new mixed-use district within walking distance of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. The centerpiece of the multi-phase project features the adaptive reuse of the historic 1937 Monticello Dairy facility. A destination food hall Dairy Market with unique local restauranteurs, national retailers and a craft brewery anchor Phase 1 of the neighborhood hub and create an amenity for the 50,000 sq. ft. of new Class A office space. Future phases include 180 residential apartments, additional retail, and structured parking on site. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient, and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for effective public policies. It convenes an international network of green building and sustainability leaders through the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and forward-thinking programs, including the Center for Green Schools. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.