L.E.E.D Certification

The City of Cotati, California's new police facility is the country's first "green" police station to receive certification as a U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D.) certified building. This certification required the City of Cotati to commit to meeting a rigorous set of parameters which it gladly undertook in an effort to make the new police facility as energy efficient as possible. The City also worked hard to make the police facility a demonstration project to help educate the community, school children, and visitors about environmentally-responsible building design. Highlights of the project and items that led to the building's L.E.E.D. certification are listed below:

Sustainable Site

  • Alternative Transportation: 4 bus lines within of a mile; bicycle racks and showering facilities provided on site.
  • Minimal Parking Lot Size: Parking capacity does not exceed minimum local zoning and provides preferred parking for carpooling.
  • Storm Water Management: Bioswale alongside main building parking lot.
  • Light Pollution Reduction: Very low light trespass from the site.

Water Efficiency

  • Water Efficient Landscaping: 50% water reduction in landscape irrigation.
  • Water Use Reduction: Potable water consumption reduced by 30% through the use of low flow and water free toilets along with other measures.

Energy and Atmosphere

  • Optimized Energy Performance: The building uses 47% less energy than a comparable builing built to Title 24 standards. This is done using a ground sourced heat pump-based HVAC system, daylighting through a large ridge skylight above the central atrium, and motion controlled lighting systems.
  • Renewable Energy: There is a 30kW photovoltaic system installed on site which results in a 24% savings on the total building energy costs.

Indoor Environmental Quality

  • Inside Air Quality Management Plan: A two-week flush-out of construction contaminants was done, with filter replacement prior to occupancy.
  • Low-Emitting Materials: All adhesives, paints, carpets and composite wood emit low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC's).
  • Chemical and Pollutant Source Control: Isolation of copy room pollutants and walk-off mats at the buildings entries prevent building contamination.
  • Daylight and Views: 75% of occupied spaces achieve a 2% or greater daylight factor; 90% of the occupied space has access to an exterior view.

Innovation and Design Process

  • Educational Program: L.E.E.D. educational display and case study report.
  • Green Cleaning Products: Cleaning program using non-toxic products.
  • L.E.E.D. Accredited Professional: Assisted by three L.E.E.D. Professionals