Recycling Program
By converting to a state of the art “separation program”, the Centergy building increased the volume of recyclable refuse from 7% to 75%. Only restroom, restaurant, and breakroom trash is sent to the landfill. Separate programs are in place for cell phones and batteries. In 2008, we recycled over 100 tons of refuse. In 2009, we exceeded that number by more than 40%.
Green Seal Cleaning Program
The Centergy One building was the first in Atlanta to implement a day cleaning program resulting in a reduction in electricity cost of approximately 10 percent. This reduction is achieved by the reduced need for lighting after normal business hours. Additionally, the program incorporates Green Cleaning Equipment and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration technology that allows for approximately 99 percent of minute particles to be captured and removed without blowback to the atmosphere. All cleaning products utilized have been certified by Green Seal, Inc. as environmentally safe.
“Perfect Day” Energy Conservation Program
Electricity consumption attributable to building lighting has been compiled over a multi-year period. The data indicating the lowest consumption in the study period was compiled to create a “Perfect Day” benchmark. On an hourly basis throughout the night, building security staff compares real-time lighting usage to the benchmark. If usage is above the benchmark, the officer must seek out opportunities during their scheduled patrols to turn lights off in unoccupied areas until the benchmark is reached.
Condensate Recovery Program
A condenser water collection system designed to reduce waste water and recharge the condenser water loop was installed in our HVAC in early 2009. This will result in a savings of 150,000 gallons of water per year.
Xeriscape Program
The first total Xeriscape landscape program in an Atlanta commercial property was installed at Centergy One. Our Xeriscape program involves using hardy, drought-tolerant, perennial plant materials and a “smart” drip irrigation system. This conserves water and reduces cost associated with seasonal plantings.
Energy Star Certification
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR, a building must score in the top 25 percent based on EPA’s National Energy Performance Rating System. In 2008, Centergy One received a score of 81 with an even higher score in 2009.
LEED Certification
LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building utilizes strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. The Centergy One management team received its LEED certification and in 2010.