The Young at Art Museum in Davie, FL was awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and has been verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).
\”This prestigious designation is a crowning achievement for our fabulous new facility,\” said Young At Art Museum founder and CEO Mindy Shrago. \”We have achieved many program accolades over the 22-year journey to our new home, including accreditation by the American Association of Museums, and now to be recognized for our environmentally-conscious design and all of the green elements throughout the Museum is extremely gratifying.\”
The certification was awarded for efficient energy use, water conservation and a host of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED-certified buildings reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment.
The Spinnaker Group provided sustainable design and construction consulting services. Glovaovic Studio and AECOM co-designed the building using natural woods and maximizing natural lighting throughout. The architecture is exposed to facilitate learning about the green building practices employed in the construction.
\”Attaining LEED Gold certification for this project truly was a remarkable team achievement,\” said Robert Hink, USGBC Faculty, LEED AP Principal, The Spinnaker Group. \”This building was not LEED certified just to be able to put up a plaque but rather as an example for the future. The materials used ensure a healthy and safe learning environment for everyone using the facility. While we celebrate the certification today, the true impact of this building will remain strong far into the future.\”
Some of the green improvements at the property include:
- Training by the US Army Corps of Engineers about endangered species possibly encountered during site clearing
- Mulching of bushes and trees removed from the site, providing 2,000 cubic yards of mulch
- White reflective roof reduces building heat
- 60,000-gallon cistern collects rain water, contributing to a 58 percent reduction in water usage
- Preferred parking for low-emission, high-occupancy vehicles, and bicycle racks and showers provided for employees
- 20 percent of materials sourced locally, 20 percent of new materials contained recycled content.
Young At Art Museum is the epicenter of cultural arts education for families and features four permanent galleries: GreenScapes, CultureScapes, WonderScapes and ArtScapes.
The Young At Art Institute features a series of professionally equipped studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, animation, photography and film, printmaking, mixed media, digital computer and 4D video design. The new facility also includes a 10,000 square-foot Broward County Library, a National Traveling Exhibition Gallery, Teen Center and Recording Studio, a preschool and early childhood learning center, a Museum Gift Shop and the Toss Up Salads Café.
Source: CoStar