Two of Ben Franklin Transit’s (BFT) facilities in Richland, WA, have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council: the new administration building and the remodel of the existing administration building into a new operations building.

The agency began construction of the two buildings in 2009 and completed them in 2011.

Integrus Architecture, MW Consulting Engineers, CH2M Hill, and SPVV Landscape Architects were all key contributors to the design and LEED® certification. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding covered most construction costs.

The BFT administration building also received the Citation Award from the American Institute of Architects-Spokane Chapter. Design features include flexible open office space for staff and administration; a public entry and reception area and adjacent large conference meeting room; and a staff break room with a small kitchenette and outdoor patio area.

The LEED® certification process begins when the applicant submits project design and construction information to the USGBC, which rates the project based on energy efficiency, sustainable materials, water consumption, and other factors that may impact the environment. The BFT buildings achieved sustainable points in each of the six categories: sustainable sites; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; and innovation and design process.

Displaying their LEED Gold certificates are, from left, Jerry Winkler, principal, Integrus Architecture; Richard Ciccone, BFT project manager; Tim Fredrickson, BFT general manager; and Leo Bowman, Benton County commissioner and BFT board chair.