Skanska’s Capitol Tower First in Houston, One of Three in U.S. to Achieve LEED v4 Platinum Precertification
Skanska USA Commercial Development’s Capitol Tower is the first Houston development to be awarded LEED v4 Platinum precertification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and one of only three core and shell projects nationally to be pre-certified under the new standards. Capitol Tower, designed by architectural firm Gensler, is a 750,000-square foot Class A commercial office tower planned for the premiere downtown location of 808 Capitol Street.
LEED v4 is the latest version of the LEED green building program, considered the world’s premier benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Skanska’s Capitol Tower is one of only 122 beta projects worldwide using the new LEED v4 standards.
“Being among the first to achieve LEED v4 Platinum precertification is consistent with Skanska’s commitment to leadership in sustainable building practices,” said Michael Mair, executive vice president of Skanska USA Commercial Development in Houston. “Our focus is to provide value for our tenants by creating built environments that are healthy, productive and resource efficient.”
Capitol Tower's sustainable features include:
- a high-performance building façade that significantly reduces solar gain
- daylight harvesting technology that can significantly reduce energy usage
- 90 percent access to daylight and views for tenants
- a garage with occupancy lighting sensors and a green rooftop
- alternative vehicle charging stations
- a rainwater collective system for reuse in landscape irrigation and water closets
- bicycle racks, lockers and showers to encourage commuting
“Skanska made it clear from the beginning of the design process that they wanted this to be the most sustainable building in Houston,” said Gensler Principal Kristopher Stuart. “We really pushed our team to move beyond anything we have done before to create a building that offers an exceptional work environment in a high-performance envelope that will dramatically reduce operating costs. The design also places an extraordinary emphasis on public spaces and pedestrian experiences which we believe will greatly enhance and enrich Houston's urban fabric.”
Capitol Tower’s close proximity to the METRO rail line is another sustainable feature, offering access to public transportation just outside the front entrance. Project design plans include an expansive, two-level, open-air lobby that joins the building’s street level to the active pedestrian tunnel system, creating energy and a natural gathering place offering tenants and passersby views of the activity above and below ground."
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I feel no remorse seeing this building replaced. This, along with 6 Houston, are excellent infill projects.
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