Green Design

Limbach: Meeting the Need to be Green

A rapidly growing population is increasing the demands on the world’s limited natural resources, forcing fuel costs upward. In addition, a growing environmental consciousness and the need for more efficient resources consumption has resulted in a “green” awareness that seeps in to all segments of American industry, especially the design and construction of buildings.

Green building technology, sustainability, and high performance design are becoming ever present in the construction industry. Of the typical building, up to 70% of the energy consumption is used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Energy codes and the ASHRAE Standard for Buildings (Standard 90.1) will be “raising the bar” and expecting 30% less energy consumption starting with the 2010 version, followed by a 50% reduction in the version after that. High performance building technology is available today and Limbach Facility Services has been demonstrating application of this technology in recent projects. With Limbach involved early on the Design Team as the mechanical contractor, cost effective and energy efficient systems can be incorporated into facilities.

Limbach Engineering and Design Services (LEDS), the engineering firm of Limbach, has been involved in Green Building Design at many levels. Several projects have achieved certification by the United States Green Building Council using the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating system. Many other designs have incorporated high performance and sustainability to be certified Green, but have not been registered with the USGBC.

  • Detroit Lions Training Facility – Detroit, MI (certified)
  • Manulife Building - Boston, MA (certified)
  • Pittsburgh Convention Center – Pittsburgh, PA (certified gold)
  • Pentagon Library & Conference Center – Washington, DC (certified silver)
  • National Resources Defense Council Robert Redford Building - Santa Monica Office (certified platinum)

Limbach has been the mechanical contractor on several buildings that were certified by the USGBC as Green Buildings.  For these projects, the mechanical contractor was found to be a key partner in the application of sustainability by the high percentage of LEED credits involved in the mechanical and plumbing systems.

Limbach has made a commitment to deliver Green building technology, sustainability, and high performance systems to building construction.  The experience of several LEED Accredited Professionals from Limbach will be available to contribute to the successful certification of this project.  Contributions during the Design Phase, during construction, with commissioning, and at occupancy will be important to achieve this level of performance to the satisfaction of the USGBC. 

When a building owner makes the decision to invest in a Green Building, the first concern is about the additional cost.  With the involvement of Limbach early in the design phase of the project, we can assist in reduction of the installed cost and provide cost effective solutions for application of energy savings and sustainable design features and practices.  The application of high performance building systems will reduce the life cycle cost of the facility and can be accomplished with the early involvement of Limbach and Limbach Engineering and Design Services.