One Crescent Drive exemplifies the type of extraordinary workplace environment that can be created when sustainable design is the keystone for development. It stands as a model for all future development in our region, showcasing how the pursuit of economic progress can be successfully balanced with ecological sensitivity and civic responsibility.
This four-story commercial office building at the Philadelphia Navy Yard Corporate Center was designed by world-renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern and developed by Liberty Property Trust and Synterra Partners. It's sustainable green design has earned it a Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council ("USGBC"), the highest such designation available. Moreover, One Crescent Drive is the first LEED CS Platinum building in the world. Liberty is developing the 70-acre Navy Yard Corporate Center in a joint venture with Synterra Partners and intends to register each newly constructed building for USGBC LEED certification, the national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable office buildings.
Liberty's One Crescent Drive project reflects its nationally-recognized corporate philosophy of developing facilities which are environmentally responsible, economically efficient, and which strive to promote healthy living and work environments. Key aspects of the building's sustainable and green design, development, construction and operation include the following:
Site design, construction, recycling: One Crescent Drive was constructed on an urban brownfield site. Prior to development, environmental contaminants were cleaned up so that the property could be put back into productive use. The re-use of urban space in this manner allows the building occupants to take advantage of existing infrastructure such as roads, public transportation, parking and walking paths. To encourage responsible transportation and promote the use of energy efficient vehicles, preferred parking spaces were even created for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. During site construction, material and process selection reduced waste and improved efficiency by using over 40% of materials from local suppliers which reduced transportation emissions. Air pollution was reduced 40% by using recycled concrete. Over 30% of the total construction material consisted of recycled content and 95% of the total construction waste was recycled. Native landscaping was also incorporated into the site design, eliminating the need for a permanent irrigation system. In addition, an innovative heat-reflecting paving system was installed for parking areas.
Innovative energy efficiencies: The building's energy use is reduced through high efficiency HVAC systems, sun shades and a reflective white roofing system. One Crescent Drive uses 40% less energy than a typical office building of its size, and 30% less water as a result of sensor faucets and low-flow fixtures.
A healthy workplace for the tenants and the environment: Abundant natural light percolates throughout the building as a result of a large day-lit atrium, a strategically placed glass curtain wall and an expansive window system. Not only does the abundant natural light reduce energy consumption, it provides the building's occupants with an engaging environment that increases comfort and productivity. Bicycle racks, showers and changing areas have been provided to encourage healthy lifestyles. Initial material selection and a continuing green housekeeping program maintain a clean air environment for the building'soccupants.
Sustainability Narrative
One Crescent Drive exemplifies Liberty's commitment to sustainable development in areas such as energy conservation and resource efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention, sustainable healthy employment and green building elements. One Crescent Drive has positively impacted the Philadelphia region by 1) innovatively reducing waste and air emissions during the building's construction, 2) utilizing technology to increase the building's overall energy efficiency and resource conservation, thereby reducing waste and consumption of precious resources while minimizing environmental impacts, and 3) demonstrating how the promotion of healthy lifestyles may successfully be incorporated into the design and operation of a commercial office building. The green aspects of the building from development to operation are a reflection of Liberty's creative approach to environmentally-sensitive development and the thoughtful manner in which Liberty designs and constructs workplaces in our community. One Crescent Drive also demonstrates Liberty's leadership in moving beyond local building code requirements in construction in order to achieve a superior overall commercial office space that offers reduced operating costs and associated environmental impacts for years to come.
Based on the construction recycling programs and innovative energy efficiencies described above, One Crescent Drive benefits the local and regional environment and continues to make sustainable use of the Philadelphia region's natural resources. As a Platinum LEED certified building, it serves as a model for other green planned buildings, including those additional buildings planned in the Navy Yard Corporate Center.
Results
The positive impact of One Crescent Drive can be quantified in many ways from pollution prevention to recycling to economic efficiency and more. The benefits are tremendous even if just focusing on the construction and operating achievements. Construction material and process selection reduced waste and improved efficiency by using over 40% of materials from local suppliers which reduced transportation emissions. Air pollution was reduced 40% by using recycled concrete, over 30% of the total construction material consisted of recycled content, and 95% of the total construction waste was recycled. Site development work included cleanup of an urban brownfield and putting it back into productive use. The reuse of urban space saves greenfields from development and allows building occupants to take advantage of existing infrastructure and access to public transportation. As for the building's on-going operation, One Crescent Drive uses 40% less energy and 30% less water than a typical office building of its size. These energy efficiencies lead to less local and regional environmental impacts and less demand on the existing public utility infrastructures. By way of example, the building's use of wind generated energy alone has been estimated to avoid annual emissions of 238,032 Ibs of carbon dioxide, 513 Ibs of nitrogen oxides and 1,308 Ibs of sulfur dioxide, with environmental benefits equivalent to not driving 260,000 miles, or removing 21 cars from the roads or planting 33 acres of fully matured trees.
In addition to the local and regional community and environmental benefits described above, the building has been a financial success. As a stand alone project it receives exceptional returns on investment with among the highest rents in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area. In addition, as a highly efficient and productive building, Liberty is helping its tenants to save money. One Crescent Drive dispels the myth that environmentally friendly, green buildings are not economically feasible projects valued by the market. Building green makes sense to Liberty. It benefits the environment, the community, the tenants, and the owners. One Crescent Drive is a prime example.
