Democracy Tower – Reston Town Center

Project Description

After completing an initial assessment with regard to key LEED credits and prerequisites, The Compass Group assisted Boston Properties in obtaining LEED-EB Gold Certification for the Democracy Tower building located in the Reston Town Center in Reston, VA. This was a full implementation project, and The Compass Group provided project guidance and technical assistance, and prepared the application submittal.

Democracy Tower is a nine story, 235,436 square foot building located in Reston Town Center in Reston, Virginia. Constructed in 2009, the building is owned and managed by Boston Properties. After completing an initial assessment with regard to key LEED credits and prerequisites and an initial goal of LEED-EB Silver Certification, the Compass Group assisted Boston Properties in achieving LEED-EB Gold Certification for the Democracy Tower building in December 2014. The Compass Group provided full LEED implementation consulting services to Boston Properties for this project including project guidance, technical assistance, and preparation of the application submittal.

The Democracy Tower building team implemented many sustainability measures for the project and as a result of the ASHRAE Level One energy audit process completed for LEED, the engineering team realized additional operation efficiencies to improve the building’s energy efficiency. Sustainable operating procedures were implemented that had an immediate impact on the efficiency of the building systems and immediately improved the building’s Energy Star score. Energy conservation measures implemented included:

• Corrected the cooling tower sand filter controls and implemented improved scheduling for annual energy savings of 8,000 kWh and cost savings of $679.
• Reprogrammed the economizer cooling tower pump speed, VAV zone setpoints, and condenser water/cooling tower temperatures, and AHU static pressures for annual energy savings of 86,583 kWh and cost savings of $7,296.

Democracy Tower key project results:

• Detain 100% of annual rainfall falling on the site through the use of a stormwater retention pond.
• Achieved a 37% reduction in indoor plumbing fixture and fitting potable water use from the LEED-EBOM Baseline.
• Achieved the 2014 ENERGY STAR label with a score of 91.
• 100% sustainable purchasing rate of electronics and furniture.
• Recycle or reuse 100% of the electronics and furniture waste leaving the building.
• 100% sustainable purchasing rate of cleaning materials and products, disposable janitorial paper products, and trash bags.

Additional Democracy Tower project results:

• A number of recycling efforts were implemented during the performance period including a drive that included all of the tenants bringing in recyclable items from home. The project was such a success with the tenants that it will be incorporated into an annual event every year.
• Green Cleaning, Pest Control and Landscape Management Plans were all implemented with the help of various service providers. Through long discussions about best practices, material selection and recycling programs, all were able to be introduced into the operation of the building without introducing any additional costs. A significant win-win outcome in the eyes of all of our tenants.