Park Place Outreach Inc. began construction last April on their new Youth Emergency Shelter at 514 &516 East Henry Streets in Savannah. The 6500+ square foot structure will contain beds for maximum 12 children, the offices of Park Place Outreach, and future facilities for a Day Program. As a symbol for the community and its commitment to a sustainable future we are applying for LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of the building. LEED is a certification program that encourages sustainable building practices, green construction materials, and high performance design to give owners and tenants more efficient, healthier, and durable buildings.

Park Place Outreach, Inc. is a non-profit group that provides services to at-risk youth and their families, to increase their functional level and reunify families whenever possible. Park Place Outreach, Inc. has been serving the Savannah area since 1984.

Many of the members of the team are making donations of their goods & services to help with the construction of the new building. Cost savings and energy performance for the long term were paramount from the earliest design charettes. We began our project with these ideas to guide the team:

• Creating a vision for the project and setting realistic performance goals
• Forming a strong, all inclusive project team
• Outlining important first steps to take in achieving a sustainable design
• Integrated Design Approach = Capitalize on Expertise
• Align budget with program
• Incorporate Green Features as fundamental
• Paradigm Shift from Traditional Construction Process
• Accept the limited time frame existing before needed C.O. (Jan 2008)

• Project shall attempt LEED-NC 2.2 requirements at the certified performance level
• Renovate existing historic structure and build new construction appropriate to Historic character of the neighborhood. Focus on durability of construction interior and exterior for long time occupancy. All systems to be simple to use by PPO staff and building to be as maintenance free as possible.
• Reuse and Recycle as much construction material as possible

• Project shall comply & exceed ASHRE 90.1 building energy efficiency standards and be design to achieve at least (4) EA credits of LEED 2.2 (21% over baseline building)
• Lighting systems designed to reduce heat gain and utilize longer lasting compact fluorescent bulbs
• Utilize occupancy sensors and timers where efficient
• High efficiency HVAC equipment with SEER of +17 or higher
• High efficiency building envelope with use of AAC Block and Spray foam insulation.
• Other Energy Goals: High albeto roofing, Low flow water fixtures, Xeriscaping, Pervious Hardscapes, and on-site water retention

• Indoor lighting requirements: Timers and zone controls
• Occupant lighting control requirements: Focus on Daylighting with Low-e argon thermo pane windows and solatubes
• Thermal comfort requirements: Comply with LEED 2.2 - EQ 7.1
• Ventilation and filtration requirements: Comply with LEED 2.2 -EQ 2.0
• Occupancy HVAC control requirements: Zoned controls for non-concurrent use on 1st and 2nd floor
• Acoustic environment requirements: Sound insulation between bathrooms, laundry, mechanical, and conference rooms
• Comply with LEED 2.2 -EQ 4.1, 4.2, & 4.3
• Focus is to be on a healthy interior landscape using durable, affordable, recycled, and other LEED friendly materials

• Equipment shall contribute to exceeding ASHRE 90.1 building energy efficiency standards and be designed to achieve at least (4) EA credits of LEED 2.2 (21% over baseline building)

Due the budgetary constrictions for the client the capital campaign contacted many companies and suppliers for in kind donations. During construction we adjusted our goals to meet the donated services and products. Some highlights of the design include:

• Renovation and adaptive reuse of a Historic Building in Savannah's Victorian District
• Designed for residential character and security for the children
• High Performance Envelope utilizes AAC Block and Demilec Spray insulation
• Cool Roof throughout with high albedo
• High performance lighting, with compact florescent
• Low flow fixtures reducing water usage by 30%
• Cabinetry throughout building is recycled from house in Savannah.
• High Performance Carrier HVAC with controls
• Use of local /regional materials to reduce transportation cost
• 95% of Construction waste recycled or diverted from landfills
• Pervious parking with storm water retention
• Drought tolerant landscaping with bioswales for retention
• Education program including 4 different tours by profession groups included in Georgia AIA and local USGBC
• Teamed up with local college Interior design class project
• Presentation of slideshow to Savannah Chapter of the USGBC "Lessons from LEED: Park Place Outreach"
• Continuing Education with Park Place residence about sustainable design