Squire, Sanders & Dempsey Achieves LEED Platinum certification

July 17, 2012 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, June 21, 2012 -- rand*, a leading commercial construction corporation, announces its first LEED Platinum certified project for commercial interiors. Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, a prestigious international law firm, is now among the 21 other local buildings that have achieved the highest level of LEED certification.

The new office space, located at 1200 19th Street NW, is owned by Hines Real Estate Firm and occupies just over 63,000 square feet on the 3rd and 4th floor of the building in downtown DC. The overall design intent was focused on a functional yet sustainable concept with every detail supporting the Platinum target.

The space was turned over to the rand* team in a shell condition, which allowed for an extensive amount of research during the preconstruction phase. The scope of work included offices, conference centers, an expansive reception area, team rooms, LAN room, pantries, divisible rooms and catering kitchens. The overall design of the space carried similar themes throughout that were extensively coordinated with millwork, glass, metals, flooring, drywall, mechanical, electrical and stone. The largest challenge faced during the build out of this space was the coordination of these multiple trades within the allotted 18-week schedule, while simultaneously working toward a target of LEED Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The finishes chosen on the project were key elements in the sustainable design. Glass in the offices and conference centers aids in day lighting, and bamboo veneer is the millwork finish because of its renewable components. Resin panels have recycled glass content which also contributes to goals of sustainability.

The LEED Platinum certification marks a milestone for rand*s LEED program. Many years of LEED construction and working directly with USGBC on the Commercial Interiors Pilot Program has enabled rand* to develop a streamlined approach to LEED certification. This approach involves a first pass review of the possible points, ranking them by relative cost, and building the certification points by utilizing the lowest cost points first. With a portfolio of over 65 LEED projects and a project staff of over 50 LEED professionals, rand* continues to invest significantly in building its in-house sustainability department, which is regarded as one of the strongest LEED programs in the industry by USGBC, GBCI and other nation-wide industry leaders. rand* has worked diligently to create an innovative and interactive green building program to promote environmental design internally and externally through education, outreach, LEED consulting and project leadership.

About U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC aims to transform the industry through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, professional credentials and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. www.usgbc.org.

About LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification system is an internationally recognized mark of excellence that provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. www.usgbc.org/LEED

About rand*
Based in Washington, DC, rand* is a leading commercial general contractor specializing in building renovations, historic restoration and interior build outs. Their success and solid reputation as a dependable, award winning DC contractor has enabled them to expand across the United States. Founded in 1989 by Linda Rabbitt, it was one of only a few women owned companies at that time. What started as a small firm in Arlington, VA with seven employees has now grown into a builder with revenues exceeding $263 million annually. Additionally, they have been recognized annually by the Washington Building Congress, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. www.randcc.com