ARLINGTON COUNTY, VA — This Virginia county is leading by example when it comes to energy efficiency. It currently has five registered LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects underway, including the new Aurora Hills Complex, the design of which was the focus of a recent LEED workshop.

Since the county is responsible for the building’s operating costs, it has made energy efficiency a requirement for the design. A Silver LEED rating is the goal. High indoor air quality and natural lighting are priorities for the project, designed by Lavigne Associates Architects in association with Colimore Clarke Associates Architects. Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) is consulting on the LEED certification and will model the building in DOE-2.1E to study various central plant strategies.

Firehouse design requires special attention to indoor air quality, as idling fire trucks, smoke-saturated uniforms, and residue from hazardous materials necessitate optimum ventilation systems. The project is scheduled for completion in 2003.