Dewberry Provides Sustainable Design for American Public University System’s New Academic Center in Charles Town, WV
Located on a Brownfield site on the edge of the Charles Town Central Business District, Dewberry has recently provided sustainable site design services for the American Public University System’s (APUS) new Academic Center. Once the decision to build green was made by APUS, Dewberry assigned a land development project manager, Lisa McCauley, PE, and a LEED® Accredited Professional, Laurel Dumene, providing a green design and site design focus to the APUS LEED design charrette.
The process of designing the site plan became one of give and take between the owner and the city of Charles Town in order to meet landscaping, parking and storm water management requirements. Several variances were sought in order to achieve maximum use of the site. Constrained by a railroad track to the east and existing buildings to the north and west, as well as a major access route into the city, George Street, on the south, the building needed to accommodate the town’s streetscape and be oriented towards the business district.
Greening the site plan to meet the LEED requirements for sustainable sites and water resources involved analysis of site selection, community connectivity, Brownfield redevelopment, and storm water management; allocation of parking spaces for alternative transportation and incorporation of bicycle storage; and a native vegetation landscape plan. The green design consulting Dewberry provided for sustainable sites helped the APUS Academic Center qualify for LEED Gold Certification for new construction.
Dewberry’s Sustainable Design Program
A full-service engineering and architecture firm, Dewberry brings a unique perspective, beyond structures, to sustainable design.
Dewberry’s experience in sustainable design is substantial and varied. The firm offers a cadre of diverse professionals excited about making a positive contribution in all aspects of environmentally responsive design. From urban infrastructure to interior finishes, Dewberry’s design professionals have the tools, training, and experience to meet and exceed high levels of green design. The firm seeks clients who will work with them to create buildings, infrastructure, systems, and programs that contribute to their environmental context—from building site to regional and global ecosystems.
With more than 150 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff, Dewberry offers sustainable design experience in all major design disciplines including architectural, civil, mechanical, and electrical. The firm has worked with clients and construction professionals to assess and meet U.S. Green Building Council LEED® certification requirements.
Dewberry is a U.S. Green Building Council Corporate Member
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