June 2009 Summary

RDG Project Achieves LEED Platinum!

RDG Project Achieves LEED Platinum!

Des Moines, IA - May, 2009: The University of Florida has a new eco-friendly, highly sustainable, athletic-focused, Gator recruiting magnet. Better know to all as the Heavener Football Complex. The USGBC knows it as its newest PLATINUM certified building. This building is in great company with other highly sustainable facilities, and it is now on a very short list of greatly acclaimed structures. As one of 141 Platinum buildings worldwide, it appears to be the only athletic facility to have achieved this recognition, and the first platinum building in the State of Florida.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification is based on a structure’s site/location planning, energy use, water management, materials used, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in the design process. The Heavener Complex earned the required 52 out of 69 points possible to receive a platinum rating. This is a milestone moment for RDG Planning & Design, who provided not only Architecture, but Landscape Architecture, Interior Design and Lighting Design Services.

Al Oberlander, Project Principal, reports that the University of Florida’s Project Manager, Bahar Armaghani was key to this success. “Without Bahar’s enthusiasm and energy, everyone might have settled for Silver. She made it happen. She looked at every possibility and pushed everyone to Platinum. They (Florida) are very excited.” The $28 million complex includes offices, conferences rooms, locker and exhibit space in support of the Gators football program. The facility’s energy-saving features exceed state and national standards requirements by 35 percent and include low-e glazing on glass, insulation and reflective materials which make the heating and air conditioning systems more efficient.

“One thing about the University of Florida is when they do something, they do it right,” Head Coach Urban Meyer acknowledged when Heavener opened its doors in August of 2008. “This is the way it should be. This should be the best and classiest facility in college football.”

view more information here --> http://www.facilities.ufl.edu/sustain/certified.htm

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