INTECH is committed to challenging the way we think about the built environment. Our construction management professionals are active participants in the green building movement. Over 30% of INTECH’s staff holds LEED credentials, many with specialty accreditations. INTECH leads in areas related to construction methods and procurement, managing construction waste, ensuring good indoor air quality during construction, and enforcing on-site management of sustainability practices and the use of approved materials.
INTECH Construction has completed 32 LEED projects totaling 5,262,750 SF in the Philadelphia market.
This key LEED category addresses project location and minimizing the environmental impact of the site during and after construction. Credits are awarded for protecting natural habitat, managing stormwater, providing alternative transportation, and promoting community connectivity.
Minimizing consumption and maximizing conservation are the two primary approaches to increase water efficiency. In general, consumption is typically reduced with the use of low-flow plumbing and conservation is boosted through greywater reuse and water-efficient landscaping.
Sustainable buildings are constructed from materials that are either partially recycled or regionally sourced. Construction waste management is also a large part of the materials and resources category. It is the prject team’s responsibility to track and verify construction waste totals. At INTECH, our waste management initiative sets a goal of 75% landfill diversion rate of construction debris for all projects. In 2016, over 93% of the construction debris generated from our projects was diverted from landfills.
High-efficiency HVAC systems and the use of natural light and ventilation are typical energy-efficient design strategies. On-site renewable energy sources can also contribute to credits in this category. If on-site renewable energy sources are not available, green power can be purchased through renewable energy credits.
LEED rewards projects for considering indoor air quality (IAQ) throughout all building phases. Project teams develop and implement indoor air quality plans during construction, which typically focus on six key areas: HVAC system protection, source control, pathway interruption, housekeeping, moisture protection, and scheduling. Project teams are also responsible for providing documentation and installation of low-emitting materials to ensure adequate indoor air quality during building use.