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Clark Construction Group, LLC earned the 2002 Pinnacle Award for the Best Building Project from the Carolinas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) for the EPA Research and Administration Headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C. Heralded as a new landmark for innovation in sustainable design, the new EPA campus uses 40% less energy than standard new office construction. The project’s energy-efficient measures are expected to save EPA more than $100 million a year.
Every major decision was carefully evaluated for sustainability. Cost, functionality and environmental impact were kept in balance as materials and systems were selected for the campus. HOK of Washington, D.C. and the Roberts/Stacy Group of Raleigh, N.C. designed a very green, functional and economical 1.2 million-gross-square-foot complex that demonstrates how site and building design, construction practices and routine operations can reduce energy consumption and minimize impact on the environment.
Located on a 133-acre site, the $270 million complex consolidates EPA’s operations, replacing seven leased facilities in the Triangle Park area, and provides research laboratories and modern office space for 2,000 employees. It has received national and international honors, including the prestigious White House Closing the Circle Award.
Environmental objectives met during construction included:
- 80% of the construction waste was recycled
- Modifying conventional timing of construction phases to protect indoor air quality
- Once the building was fully enclosed, 100% outside air was used to ventilate the spaces while the finish work was installed
- Protecting trees by limiting site access and using cranes with extended jibs to lift large precast panels into place
In 1992, the Carolinas chapter of AGC initiated the Pinnacle award program to pay tribute to excellence within the industry, reinforce standards of construction excellence to the greater construction community, and raise the profile of the association and its members. The judges awarded the EPA project maximum points in three of the five categories, for a total of 98 points of a possible 100.
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