Henrico facility recognized by green building program for environmentally friendly design

Henrico County’s Mental Health East Center has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design and construction and limited impact on the environment.

The facility boasts a sustainable site design with bike racks, storage for bicycles, preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles and LED parking-lot lights, among other features.

The East Center, which opened in June 2019 at 3908 Nine Mile Road, is Henrico’s 17th facility to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The internationally recognized green building program evaluates construction projects for factors including site design, water and energy efficiency, building materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Operated by Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services, the East Center provides a range of mental health, substance abuse, early intervention and same-day access services to residents from Henrico, Charles City and New Kent counties.

The building’s interior was constructed using environmentally friendly materials, including low-chemical-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, flooring and composite wood.

The $10 million, 30,735-square-foot East Center was noted for features including an underground stormwater-management structure and water-saving plumbing fixtures that reduce consumption by 30% annually, or 56,000 gallons, compared to standard fixtures. An extensive array of rooftop solar panels reduces the building’s reliance on grid electricity, while its efficient HVAC and LED lighting systems help reduce energy consumption by 20% compared to standard construction. Seventy-five percent, or 200 tons, of the construction and demolition waste was recycled. Environmentally friendly indoor features include ceiling fans; well-insulated walls and windows; and low-chemical-emitting sealants, paints and flooring.

Additional information about the East Center and Henrico’s other LEED-certified buildings is available on the county website.  

The Mental Health East Center features rooftop solar panels to help reduce reliance on electricity from the grid.

 
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