Summit Family YMCA

Southface conducted a sustainable design workshop with YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta and the design team to set environmental goals and discuss strategies to achieve those goals. Southface was the LEED Administrator and facilitated the LEED certification process. Southface also created the energy model to demonstrate energy savings.

 

 

 

Environmental Strategies Implemented

Site:

• Bicycle storage and preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles encourage alternative transportation.

• 48% of the site is vegetated open space.

• Stormwater runoff is reduced and is also treated onsite through bio-retention cells and sand filters.

• The reflective roof reduces the heat island effect and saves energy.

Water efficiency:

• The collection of graywater from pool back-flush, sinks and showers supplies enough non-potable water for 100% of site irrigation and toilet flushing needs.

• Waterless urinals, low flow fixtures and graywater use for toilet flushing result in indoor water savings of 56%.

Energy efficiency:

• 28% energy savings in building energy model.

• Extensive building commissioning.

Materials:

• 51% of construction waste was recycled.

• 22% of building materials are regionally manufactured.

• 16% of building materials are recycled content.

Indoor environmental quality:

• CO₂ monitoring ensures proper ventilation.

• A construction indoor air quality management plan reduced air contaminants during construction.

• Low-emitting finish materials keep indoor air contaminants to a minimum.

• Windows offer views to the outside for 97% of all regularly occupied spaces.

Results

The Summit Family YMCA—a LEED Gold—facility—was added to an existing medical office building in Newnan, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. It is a state-of-the-art athletic facility that serves the members of the Metro Atlanta YMCA organization as well as the community at large. This facility is one of four within the organization to earn a LEED certification—supporting the commitment of the organization to green building as well as enhancing the health and well-being of the community.