Sustainable Features & Benefits

Design Innovation

The Town Center Three Building received recognition for exemplary performance in construction waste management and in water use reduction by greatly exceeding the requirements of LEED in these areas. Additional innovative green building approaches include:

• Incorporation of green housekeeping practices and use of green janitorial supplies into the building maintenance plan
• Improving awareness through education with sustainability brochure and sustainability webpage
• Employing LEED Accredited Professionals as integral members of the project team

Resources Management

During design and construction, careful attention was paid to the selection of sustainable building materials, their procurement, and the disposal of construction waste.

• Recycled or salvaged more than 50% of non-hazardous construction debris
• Used materials with increased recycled content percentage over basic LEED requirements
• Preferential selection of regional building materials and products supporting the use of indigenous resources and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from transportation
• Used Forest Stewardship Council certified wood for more than 50% of the wood-based building components

Water Efficiency

The UVA Foundation has taken great steps to help ensure the health of our local watershed, which is connected to the Chesapeake Bay, through the following:

• To conserve water, the grounds have been designed with drought tolerant plants and native species that are well suited to the climate
• High-efficiency plumbing fixtures, such as dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, and low-flow showers allow the project to reduce potable water use by more that 48%

Alternative Fuels

UVAF is committed to encouraging alternative transportation within the Research Park and promoting sustainable practices. In an effort to reduce the pollution and impact from automobiles, Town Center Three features:

• Bicycle storage and changing rooms
• Preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles
• Preferred parking for carpoolers

Healthy Environment

Creating a healthy environment by providing the best air quality, reliable thermal comfort and an aesthetically appealing indoor environment was a major focus in the design of Town Center Three. Features include:

• Smoke-free building policy
• Increased direct outdoor ventilation system with CO2 monitoring
• Use of low-emitting materials such as: adhesives, paints, carpets and composite wood products
• Provided thermal controls for occupants to obtain a high level thermal comfort
• Provided building occupants with a direct connection to the outdoor environment through readily available views and increased day lighting