The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) largest facility specializing in environmental research was recently dedicated, marking the official opening of the new campus. Located in Research Triangle Park, NC, the 1.2-million-sq.-ft. complex is recognized as a model sustainable building that demonstrates how site and building design, construction practices and routine operations can reduce energy consumption and minimize impact on the environment. The Clark Construction Group Inc. served as general contractor on the $270-million project.

“When planning for this facility began in the early 1990s, our goal was clear — build state-of-the-art laboratories and offices that embody the agency’s environmental mission and save the taxpayers money,” said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. “Through our partnerships with four federal agencies, three building companies, two architectural firms and countless others, we have built one of the largest green buildings in the world — a model for others like it around the globe.” The project has received national and international recognition, including the White House Closing the Circle Award.

Among the sustainable building achievements are the following:

• 80 percent of the construction waste was recycled;

• The facility is 40-percent more energy efficient than comparable, standard-design buildings; and

• Parking areas were reduced by 25 percent by providing incentives for reducing single occupant vehicles.

Located on a 133-acre (54 ha) site, the complex consolidates EPA’s operations, replacing seven leased facilities in the Triangle area, and provides research laboratories and modern office space for 2,000 employees.

The project team included the architecture firms of HOK of Washington, D.C. and The Roberts/Stacy Group of Raleigh, NC. Weidlinger Associates of New York City, served as the structural engineer and R.G. Vanderweil Engineers of Boston, designed the MEP systems.

The Clark Construction Group Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, MD.

For more information, visit www.clarkconstruction.com.

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