MTEC SmartZone Renovation Is Certified Green
HOUGHTON -- The renovation and redesign of Michigan Technological University's Lakeshore Center has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the United States Green Building Council.
The Houghton community's MTEC SmartZone received grant money from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the project in 2009. The SmartZone, first floor tenant of the building, worked closely with U.P. Engineers & Architects to ensure the 2010 renovation of the former Upper Peninsula Power Co. office was as "green" as possible.
LEED is a specific rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to provide building owners with a framework for identifying and implementing measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
"Lakeshore Center is a beautiful facility to work and spend time in," said MTEC SmartZone CEO Marilyn Clark. "We have great views, natural light, and clean air to breathe. This designation makes us even more proud of our fourth business incubation facility."
Project architect Karin Cooper of U.P. Engineers & Architects is a LEED Accredited Professional and led the renovation project toward LEED certification. Through the process she worked with a project team of contractors and Michigan Technological University to assure the building's sustainable design.
The Lakeshore Center was scored on six different categories: sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.
Efforts to use more than 18 percent recycled materials for the project helped secure the LEED certification. In addition, MTEC SmartZone built shower stalls for tenants to encourage exercise during the work day, as well as a bike rack to encourage alternative transportation.
This certification is unique and only a handful of buildings in the Western Upper Peninsula are LEED Certified. For more information on LEED Certification, please call Karin Cooper, AIA, LEED AP at (906) 482-9799.
