INDIANAPOLIS—Buckingham Companies and The Alexander, a Dolce Hotel, announced that they’ve been awarded LEED Silver certification in LEED’s New Construction & Major Renovations category. The Alexander is the only hotel in Indianapolis with LEED certification and is part of the 10-acre CityWay neighborhood, located at South and Delaware streets, developed by Buckingham Companies.
“Sustainability was central to the vision for The Alexander and CityWay,” said Scott Travis, Senior Vice President of Development at Buckingham Companies. “From construction through completion, environmentally-friendly practices were a priority.”
LEED is the primary program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. More than 44,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprised of more than 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries.
“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Alexander efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on Indianapolis and our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”
Design & Construction Strategies
The Alexander’s LEED Silver certification was achieved using all of the following strategies, along with many more implemented during construction.
Sustainable Site:
• Leveraged use of existing infrastructure for utilities, public transportation and urban amenities. Twenty-five percent vegetated open space.
• Maximized use of natural light and light-colored hardscape areas.
Water Efficiency:
• Low flow guestroom and restroom faucets.
• Waterless urinals in public men’s restrooms and dual flush toilets in all guestrooms and public women’s restrooms.
• Storm water collection system—including a 2,500-gallon cistern—that reduces storm water runoff and virtually eliminates the need to use potable water for landscape irrigation.
Energy & Atmosphere:
• Two-year renewable energy contract for at least 35 percent of electricity.
• Energy-efficient (i.e. Energy Star rated) mechanical equipment and appliances.
• Interior and exterior LED light fixtures.
• Occupancy controls in public restrooms, storage rooms and other partially occupied spaces and master key card control systems in each guestroom minimizing energy consumption during non-occupied times.
• HVAC occupancy controls in guestrooms.
Materials & Resources:
• Reused crushed concrete and asphalt from the site’s former parking lot and on-site demolition as clean backfill and base for the new building foundations.
• A waste management plan that diverted construction and demolition debris from landfills and incineration facilities to recycling facilities.
• Reuse of indigenous resources and sourcing of new materials no more than 500 miles away.
• Recycling program for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals.
Indoor Environmental Quality:
• LEED certified low-emitting materials, including adhesives, paints and flooring.
• Restricted tobacco use within 25 feet from any entrance.
• Natural light available in at least 90 percent of the regularly occupied areas.
Other Innovative Features:
• Parking spaces for fuel-efficient or carpool-preferred parking.
• Pedestrian pathways, including a connection to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
• Environmentally friendly housekeeping products and procedures.
• Eco-smart saltwater maintenance system for the outdoor pool.
• Green education through building tours with detailed explanations on how certain initiatives came to fruition.
Go to The Alexander.
