This Friday marks World Environment Day, organized by the United Nations. It has been recognized since 1974 with a different theme each year. In 2020, the focus is on biodiversity. As the U.N. notes, “World Environment Day offers a global platform for inspiring positive change.”
That message aligns perfectly with our firm’s commitment to leave a lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve. Ultimately, that collective impact can benefit the world at large.
“Our firm is committed to sustainability and environmental leadership,” said Jeff Lighthiser, Draper Aden’s CEO. “That’s why for well over a decade, we’ve been a leader in green building projects and have played a key role in many LEED-certified buildings.”
Over the years, we’ve contributed engineering, environmental services, site planning, and survey services to dozens of LEED-certified projects.
The firm’s history with the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is extensive.
In fact, the recent renovation of the North Court Residence Hall at the University of Richmond won the 2020 USGBC Community Leadership Award for Historical Renovation. The project was certified LEED Gold® in October 2019, and we provided site layout for new sidewalks and stairs; utility upgrades; site grading and drainage; erosion control; and stormwater management.
This continues a multi-year award-winning streak for our firm. Our projects have received awards for several recent years, including 2019 USGBC Virginia Awards for Innovative Design in New Construction (Virginia Military Institute Corps Physical Training Facility) and Green Building Legacy Award (VCU Rice Center).
Over the years, we’ve contributed engineering, environmental services, site planning, and survey services to dozens of LEED-certified projects.
In 2008, Draper Aden was proud to provide civil engineering, design, and construction administration services for VCU’s Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences located in Charles City County, VA. This building was the first ever project in Virginia to receive LEED Platinum® certification.
For more information on the LEED® green building program, visit the USGBC’s LEED site.
As a part of the design build team for sustainable projects, we’re leaving a lasting, positive impact that will benefit our neighbors today and many more for generations to come.
Photos of North Court Residence Hall provided by the University of Richmond.
Article updated on June 26, 2020 to reflect the change from nomination to winning the USGBC award.