“Our organization has always been interested in efficiency, and we’ve been incorporating sustainable measures on many different fronts for a long time,” says Michael Modica, Head of Facilities at Children’s Services Council (CSC).
CSC’s Chief Technology Officer, Robert Kurimski, concurs. “Initially, we looked at sustainability from the perspective of wanting to efficiently and effectively use taxpayer dollars,” says. “Sustainable measures are not only good for environment, they cost a lot less to maintain than traditional technologies so they’re a win-win.”
“We’re excited that we could learn something new through Green Globes about leveraging modern technologies to do our jobs better..”
The three-story, 104,000-square-foot facility constructed in 2006 provides office space for the CSCPBC as well as for social service, law enforcement, and government tenants. The CSC worked with Larry Clark, principal of Sustainable Performance Solutions, to receive Three Green Globes under Green Globes for Continual Improvement of Existing Buildings.
“Green Globes certification was a great option because it cost a lot less money, is more user-friendly, and takes half the time of some other rating systems,” Clark says. “When you can improve your building and transform the market towards a green-built environment, that deserves recognition.”
The CSCPBC office building enhances occupant well-being and environmental quality, and makes wise use of its funding:
- Demand-controlled ventilation and variable frequency drives helped the CSC improve energy performance each year.
- The team secured a grant for a 35.7 kW solar panel roof system that produces renewal energy.
- All LED lighting illuminates spaces both outside and inside the building to save energy.
- A comprehensive Green Cleaning Policy and Program Plan provides better indoor air and fewer chemicals.
- Air filters were upgraded to MERV 13 to protect occupant health – especially crucial during COVID-19.
Healthy Associations
As a service organization, CSC knows the importance of meeting needs in a relevant fashion and the fact that Green Globes focused on the issues pertinent to their particular project resonated with CSC’s administration.
“The point system doesn’t penalize projects with non-applicable issues. It looked at our building specifically, which meant we weren’t chasing points around,” Modica says. “Because our building was judged on what we’ve done so far and what we can do moving forward, the final analysis gave us a more accurate picture.”
The ability to directly ask questions of their Green Globes Assessor also made the certification process a pleasant and personalized experience.
“Green Globes is more attractive because it’s not an anonymous review committee – it’s a very transparent process. It’s great that there are no surprises at the end,” Clark asserts. “Our Assessor was very knowledgeable and he had a lot of good recommendations which we took very seriously.”
For an organization that manages a building with multiple public tenants and provides nearly 60 programs and services for children across Palm Beach County, continual education is vital.
“We’re excited that we could learn something new through Green Globes about leveraging modern technologies to do our jobs better,” Kurimski notes. “We have a lot of huge accomplishments, and our council is impressed with how we are trying to be as efficient as possible as new projects arise. Those who visit our building appreciate the fact that we are making the best use of public funds.”
