Urban Land Interest’s US Bank Plaza on the Capitol Square is Energy Star Certified.
Urban Land Interest’s US Bank Plaza on the Capitol Square is Energy Star Certified.
The US Bank Plaza on the Capitol Square has been an excellent example of how a energy inefficient building can be transformed to a building capable of receiving an Energy Star Certification and LEED-EB Gold Status. Built in 1974 and purchased by ULI in 2008, the building underwent a sophisticated renovation that reduced energy usage by 35% and decreased water usage by 85%. The process involved new windows, improvements to HVAC Systems, and the use of green cleaning products. For more information on the process of renovation, read the Case Study.
The Energy Star Certification for commercial buildings is similar to the rating found on household appliances – it focuses on making buildings more energy-efficient and cost-effective without sacrificing performance. Buildings are evaluated through comparison to a peer group via the Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey. The survey takes into account buildings of all sizes, functions, and ages in various climates throughout the United States to provide a wide sample of energy efficiency. The evaluation looks at several different aspects including size, location, number of occupants, number of computers, energy use, and more. Buildings are then scored with a number between 1 and 100. A score of 50 indicates an average building with average energy efficiency. To become Energy Star Certified, a score of 75 or higher much be reached – the US Bank Plaza has reached a score of 86!
