Duke Energy Tower Goes for LEED Gold
The newest addition to Charlotte’s skyline is the 54-story Duke Energy Center, located on South Tryon Street. To demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, the shell building is going for a LEED Gold rating, and all tenants have been asked to meet a minimum of LEED Silver for their spaces. Some of the features in place to earn the Gold rating include water saving features such as waterless urinals, dual flush water closets, and low flow lavatories. Storm water, ground water, and condensate will be collected to irrigate the green roof, and to offset potable water consumption for the cooling tower. Energy consumption has been optimized through various approaches such as high efficiency mechanical equipment, daylighting blinds and photosensors, along with dimmable ballasts. Indoor environmental quality has been addressed with low-emitting materials, increased ventilation, and thermal comfort control. And 90% of the indoor space will have access to views of the outside, with 75% having access to daylight.
As for materials, a minimum of 50% of construction waste was diverted from landfills, at least 20% of all materials will have recycled content, and at least half of the wood products will meet FSC guidelines. Caragreen is proud to be a part of this project; we supplied Durat solid surface material and UltraTouch cotton denim insulation. Durat contains 30% recycled plastic and has been used in break rooms for countertops. And, UltraTouch insulation has 85% recycled and rapidly renewable content and is used throughout the building.
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