Martel Construction understands that building green is the future of the construction industry, and has completed projects that demonstrate our commitment to the process.
Our commitment to building green starts in our office, where we have changed the way we communicate with subcontractors. Instead of faxing out plan information, we now use E-mail. Digital plans on disk have replaced paper copies, saving pounds of paper on each project. In our Bozeman office renovation, many of the wood products used are recycled. We are updating our fleet of company trucks to newer, fuel efficient models that automatically deactivate some of the cylinders when they are not all needed.
Kath Williams of Kath Williams + Associates works with our Project Managers and Superintendents, teaching green building principles. This process is resulting in five of these construction professionals earning their LEED Accredited Professionals (AP) designation.
Some of our current project in pre-construction with a goal of LEED certification include the Burgard Green Building (LEED Platinum) and the Story Mill Renovation (LEED Neighborhood).
The Bozeman Public Library is our largest project to be recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. The USGBC promotes buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
The public spaces and site enhancements link the Bozeman Public Library and its outdoor spaces to the adjacent Lindley Park and historic Main Street. Lindley Park is also the starting point for “Main Street to the Mountains”. This is miles of trails that span the east side of Bozeman. Among the environmentally friendly aspects of this building are the Solar Panel-PV System 16KVA and a mechanical night-flushing system which will cool the air in the building in the evenings. In addition, finishing materials such as paints, flooring, and stains with low VOC content were selected. The natural surroundings of the lot led to the desire of the building to be designed for optimum day-lighting and expansive views. This is accomplished with sprawling windows on the north, east and south sides. Complimenting the windows are Kalwall translucent panels with an insulating rating of R20. In addition, the roof contains 4 rows of skylights with 2,800 square feet of Kalwall translucent skylights. The structural integrity of the building is provided by alternate and a mixed use of materials. GluLam and Steel Truss roof systems with Structural Insulated Panels and Exposed Acoustical Metal Deck create a spacious open feeling in the building, while the wood finishes create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
For more information: U.S. Green Building Council