posted on October 28, 2010 20:55
Downtown Houston skyscraper MainPlace is set to be certified at the platinum level under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design core and shell rating system, according to Hines.
The Houston-based real estate developer said that the building was at one time pre-certified at the silver level, but the addition of certain features has now elevated MainPlace’s rating.
Sustainable features and programs of the building include a fully vegetated green roof, a “skygarden” terrace, highly efficient heating and ventilation systems, sunshades, resulting in up to 40 percent of the building façade being protected from the sun, and a condensate recovery system.
In addition, the project was designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as designed to earn the ENERGY STAR, and will be 53 percent more energy efficient than the national average office building.
Developed by Hines for Hines CalPERS Green fund, MainPlace is a 46-story, 972,000-square-foot office tower bounded by Fannin, Rusk, Walker and Main Street. The glass and steel building, featuring a cutaway notch on the 39th floor, was designed by Pickard Chilton, and will be ready for occupancy in early 2011. The top four floors are already leased to KPMG LLP. Hines oversees leasing and management of the property.
Houston Business Journal, 10/19/10