Gulf Trace Elementary Becomes First K-12 Public School to obtain LEED Silver certification

TAMPA, Fla. – SSRCx, the commissioning subsidiary of SSR, completed LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) facilitation services for the Gulf Trace Elementary School at 3303 Gulf Trace Blvd. in Holiday, Fla.

The 90,000-square-foot facility was recently awarded LEED Silver certification, making it the first K-12 public school in Florida to obtain any level of LEED certification.

“While our intended goal was to simply achieve basic LEED certification, SSRCx exceeded my expectations and delivered LEED Silver,” said John Petrashek, director of construction services and code compliance. “The efforts and dedication of the entire team are to be commended.”

The $13 million project incorporates many LEED features, including:

·  80 percent of all construction waste recycled

·  40 percent of construction materials manufactured within 500 miles

·  26 percent of construction materials made of recycled materials

·  A parking area that gives preferential spaces for fuel efficient vehicles

·  Water conserving fixtures that reduce water use by 30 percent

·  52 percent of wood used in the building came from sustainably managed forests certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council

·  All paints, adhesives, sealants, and carpets contained low or no
volatile organic compounds

“LEED certification of new building developments is an important way to reduce the negative impacts of construction on the environment while improving bottom lines,” said Jamie Qualk, LEED AP, director of LEED facilitation sales for SSRCx. “As momentum around LEED certification continues to grow, it is critical that every industry is represented in this movement. For this reason, it is extremely exciting that Gulf Trace Elementary has taken such a significant step in obtaining LEED certification.”

LEED Silver certification is the third most aggressive level of LEED certification, above standard certification.

SSRCx also is providing LEED facilitation services for several other Florida Schools including Northboro Elementary School in West Palm Beach, Sarasota Elementary School, Curtis Fundamental School in Dunedin and Pasco Gulf Trace Elementary School in New Port Richey. 

In addition, SSRCx is providing LEED commissioning services for the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, which is the first LEED building project under the governor’s new directive for all new state buildings to be LEED certified. The $30 million project is expected to be completed in 2009.

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