Specialty Areas

Sustainable Building Practices

As green concepts move into the mainstream of the design and construction industry, Torcon is prepared to offer cost effective and innovative sustainable design and construction services to our clients.

Torcon has delivered numerous LEED Certified projects and projects that have met sustainable design requirements. Whether you are looking for full Certification or a modified sustainable approach, Torcon can provide the right mix of services and recommendations for your project. Over 50% of our backlog is projects slated for Certification under the LEED program and our teams have delivered buildings that foster improved worker productivity and satisfaction, which can result in direct and indirect savings for our clients.

LEED
Torcon has participated in a wide variety of sustainable development projects that have followed the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. The program’s primary objective is to provide a framework for project teams and to publicly recognize sustainable building projects.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEED status, several mandatory pre-requisites must be achieved. Once these initial requirements have been satisfied, credits can be earned from six categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design. Certification is based on the number of credits earned and can be achieved in four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In addition to the LEED rating system for new construction, there are several other classifications, including commercial interiors, schools, and retail spaces, to accommodate the needs of any sustainable building project. At Torcon, we can work with you to select the appropriate credits and certification level to pursue.

Torcon's Approach
Torcon professionals believe that by working together, we can reduce the environmental impact of the building, improve occupant performance, bolster energy efficiency, and save money in the long run by utilizing the latest energy-saving technologies.

Our field staff includes LEED Accredited Professionals and individuals trained in the newer and construction-specific Green Advantage program, which complements the LEED program. Torcon also provides professionals certified as Commissioning Process Management Professionals (ASHRAE) and Green Advantage Certified Practitioners. We also officer clients commissioning services and training for maintenance staff, which ensures the building will operate efficiently for years to come.

Torcon’s sustainable development services include the following:

• Design Charette Participation and Goal Setting
• LEED Credit Cost Analysis
• Construction Waste Management Plans
• Indoor Air Quality Management Plans
• LEED Credit Submission and Follow Up
• Sustainable Development (Green Building) Training
• Building Commissioning
• Retro-Commissioning
• Energy Rebate Application Preparation

 Torcon’s current LEED experience includes:

• Geisinger Medical Center (Silver)
• Genzyme Biosurgery Lab Fit-Out (Platinum 2009 CI)
• Villanova University’s College of Nursing (Gold)
• Columbia University’s Geochemistry Building (Silver)
• Boston Properties’ 701 Carnegie Center West/Princeton University Offices (Gold)

As more sustainable facility standards develop, we continue to embrace these methods. If you’re looking to add a little “green” into your next project, Torcon can help.