NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An award-winning Citadel Construction project, the 27,000 SF newly designed and built headquarters of The National Audubon Society in NYC, has "received the highest point total of any commercial interior in the world evaluated for certification by the U.S. Green Building Council" (USGBC) according to the Audubon Newswire (December 17, 2008). The Audubon home office not only fulfills the organization's mission "to conserve and restore natural ecosystems..." it creates a standard of excellence in green construction others will strive to emulate. Occupying the entire seventh floor of 225 Varick Street, the renovated space exceeds the criteria of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It was recently included among the "Best of 2008" projects by New York Construction.
Kenneth T. Hamilton of The Audubon Society praised Citadel, saying, "In...professionalism, workmanship, industry knowledge, experience, and LEED expertise, I confidently recommend Citadel Construction Corp. as construction manager."
Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, USGBC, said, "Audubon's LEED Platinum certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership."
To retain the airy, loft-like feel of the site that once housed a printing company, the Citadel team created an HVAC system that eliminated overhead ductwork. A raised floor facilitates hot and cool air distribution through over 200 adjustable floor outlets. Gas-powered heating and cooling systems use no chlorofluorocarbons and operate independently of other floors in the 12-story, 1926 building. The project team installed a new cooling tower which was hoisted to the roof, new supply and return risers for the HVAC, and an upgrade of the existing service to the floor.
Citadel used only low VOC substances in construction and sustainable, recyclable or reclaimed materials to build and furnish the offices. Floors are bare concrete treated with a sealant or natural cork; countertops are made from compressed paper products or recycled glass. Most project wood was salvaged or certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Construction waste and debris were sent to a recycling plant. To reduce transportation costs and minimize pollution, products came from within a 500-mile radius.
Full-height windows, skylights and an open office layout maximize natural light. A five-foot-wide corridor offers access to the windows and views of the cityscape and sky. Glass and aluminum partitions between offices are removable; polypropylene panels between workstations slide to capture more light.
A daylight harvesting system adjusts illumination levels according to the amount of natural light available. Indirect lighting fixtures and low wattage bulbs also improve energy efficiency.
Citadel insulated the walls at three times the energy code. Double-paned windows act as 'heat mirror' sheets, and high-speed air flow guarantees purified air.
The National Audubon Society, in concert with the Citadel Construction team, has reinvigorated the city's greenscape.
Other members of the project team included WSP Flack + Kurtz, engineers; and FXFOWLE Architects.
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