USGBC LEED RATING SYSTEM

Wachovia is using the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System to certify our new Financial Centers in California. Read on about how Wachovia is achieving LEED credits.

Category 1: Sustainable Sites
Category 2: Water Efficiency
Category 3: Energy & Atmosphere
Category 4: Materials & Resources
Category 5: Indoor Environmental Quality

Category 1: Sustainable Sites

Intent: Channel new development to areas with existing infrastructure and reduce pollution from automobile use by encouraging alternative ways of transit.

Wachovia actively seeks to construct our LEED Certified Financial Centers in communities that provide ten basic services within ½ mile of the branch. Additionally, Wachovia will provide public transit maps and safe bike route maps for employees and customers alike in every LEED Certified Financial Center. Bike racks and preferred parking for low-emitting vehicles and carpools will be provided if possible.

Note:  Basic services include but are not limited to a place of worship, convenience grocery, day care, cleaners, pharmacy, restaurant, post office, park, laundry, medical/dental offices, commercial offices, and other similar services.

Category 2: Water Efficiency

Intent: Maximize water efficiency to reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems.

Using low flow and sensor enabled fixtures; our LEED Certified Financial Centers will consume 44% less water than a similar non-LEED building which is equivalent to approximately 34,000 gallons a year.

Category 3: Energy & Atmosphere

Intent: Establish the minimum level of energy efficiency for building systems, achieve increased levels of conservation beyond this minimum standard and encourage the development of renewable energy technologies, all to reduce the environmental impacts associated with energy use.

By using state of the art systems design, engineering and installation practices each LEED Certified Financial Center will optimize energy performance, reducing consumption and Greenhouse Gas emissions by 20% on average. In addition each of these Financial Centers will offset the remaining power use with Renewable Energy Certificates, boosting overall investment into renewable energy technologies which includes wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal.

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Category 4: Materials & Resources

Intent: Facilitate the reduction of waste generated by building occupants, and the construction process. Encourage choices and increase demand for building products that use recycled content thereby reducing environmental impacts from the extraction and processing of virgin materials.

• A recycling program for cardboard, plastic, glass and aluminum is integrated into every new LEED Certified Financial Center. All paper is secured on site and removed, shredded and recycled as well. 
• In other efforts to minimize the amount of waste material going to landfills, a large percentage of all construction waste is separated and recycled and the recycled content in many of the building products (metals, sheetrock, ceiling tile, carpet, and furniture) are much higher than in non LEED buildings.

Category 5: Indoor Environmental Quality

Intent: Enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) performance during construction activities, building material choices and temperature control to contribute to the comfort and well-being of the occupants.

• In order to enhance human health each Wachovia LEED Certified Financial Center meets a stringent IAQ Standard, and prevents occupant exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
• To ensure that air quality is not negatively impacted by construction activities, an IAQ management plan is strictly followed and verified during and after construction.
• Only low toxicity finishes (paints, flooring, furniture, ceilings and wall systems) are installed in the building, reducing the negative health impacts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on occupants and visitors.
• By following strict performance guidelines for temperature control, comfort for occupants is ensured.

For more information, please visit the United States Green Building Council  Web site.

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