Demolition of Former Building
Over 89 percent of the material from the former building was diverted from landfills. Recyclable materials were extracted and taken to local recycling plants, and all asphalt and concrete was crushed for future use in road beds.
New Construction
The construction crew implemented recycling behavior at the work site called 'waste cap.' Separate dumpsters were placed at the site for each of the scrap building materials such as wood, plastic and metal.
Interior Design and Furnishings
All equipment is Energy Star-rated. High efficiency light bulbs and ballasts offer efficient lighting in larger spaces and compact fluorescent lighting or LED light bulbs are used in smaller spaces. The interior paint and carpet adhesive emit less volatile organic compounds than traditional materials, improving the air quality inside the building. Large, energy-efficient windows meet the requirements for the Energy Star Northern Zone, based on the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-Factor ratings for heat loss. All windows provide reduced energy usage, improved air circulation and natural light. Use of Greenguard air quality-certified ensures that the indoor air quality is free from aldehydes and various VOCs that regular insulation may emit. Water-saving systems include low-gallon-per-flush (GPF) toilets and faucet aerators that reduce water consumption by up to 60 percent of a normal faucet. A tankless water heater provides hot water to the coffeehouse on an as-needed basis. According to the US Department of Energy, heating water on demand increases energy efficiency by 24 to 34 percent over standard water heaters.
Exterior Design
The parking lot is modest in size to help manage the water runoff and increase the natural filtration of water back into the ground. Trees that grow to be more than 10 feet tall will be planted on the grounds to create a cooling effect for the building and parking lot. A rain garden with plants that can survive submerged under water will reduce run-off and increase natural filtration. An extensive green roof was installed above the coffeehouse. A green roof has a profound impact on the environment, including a reduction in water run-off and electricity usage (the roof is an excellent insulator), extended life of the roof membrane and improved air quality in the area.