World’s First Floating Green Building

COTTONWOOD COVE MARINA: WORLD’S FIRST FLOATING GREEN BUILDING  TO RECEIVE LEED® GOLD CERTIFICATION

US National Park Services, The Government of USA has issued the following news release:

Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina on Lake Mohave has made history, becoming the world's first floating green building to receive the prestigious LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Spearheaded by the National Park Service and Forever Resorts, LLC, the marina building opened June 2011, serving as the marina's operations office.

From decking made of rice hulls to exterior stucco made of recycled tires, from the beginning, the marina was lauded for its use of green materials. The floating eco-friendly structure features sustainable modular construction and state-of-the-art energy-efficient and environmentally responsible materials and fixtures. Use of low or no-volatile organic compound materials, paints and adhesives rid the building of the typical "new building" smell improving the overall indoor air quality.

For commercial buildings and neighborhoods to earn LEED certification, a project must satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum 40 points on a 110-point LEED rating system scale. According to the UGSBC, participation in the voluntary LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

"We, together with the National Park Service, are proud to have made history with this achievement," said John Schoppmann, executive vice president, Forever Resorts. "This building embodies Forever Resorts' company-wide commitment to embracing eco-friendly, sustainable business and public-private partnership principles."

The project's key earth-minded elements and commitments include the Forever Resorts Forever Earth Environmental Management System and a mix of new and existing programs:

Green Cleaning Program throughout the resort 
Green Purchasing Program 
Energy and Environmental Education Programs for boaters and community members 
Extensive energy saving materials and systems, including high-performance insulated glass 
High-efficient HVAC equipment and delivery systems 
Extensive use of recycled and regionally extracted and manufactured materials, such as concrete, steel, drywall, metal studs and carpet 
Finish materials, paints, adhesives, caulks and sealants that contain low or no volatile organic compounds to ensure healthy indoor air quality 
Extensive natural daylight and views to the outdoors throughout, maximizing east/west orientation 
Recycled and recyclable building and landscape materials 
Prevention of night sky pollution

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Source: http://www.elp.com/news/2013/04/07/washington-cottonwood-cove-marina-world-s-first-floating-green-building-to-receive-leed-gold-certifi.html

Benefits of Modular Construction for Building Green

In this day and age, the phrase green building is everywhere. For those who unfamiliar with green buildings, they are built to minimize potential environmental impacts and hazards often caused during and after the construction work. In addition, a green building promotes sustainable energy usage while offering a healthy indoor environment for occupants. 

Modular construction is the best choice for building green homes and buildings, because the majority of construction occurs in a climate-controlled factory environment, protecting materials from outdoor elements, reducing product waste and improving efficiency. With less work done on site, a modular construction project also helps in reducing environmental impacts and site disruption.

Now that the concept of a green building is clear, let’s discuss the benefits of modular construction for building green homes and buildings. Modular materials may include recycled glass, wood, carpet and bamboo. Some energy efficient features may include tankless water heaters, programmable thermostats, bamboo flooring, solar panels and ENERGY STAR appliances.

Modular buildings can be disassembled and relocated to other sites. This reduces the energy and raw materials needed to construct a new building. Modular construction has the ability to reuse entire buildings or major components.

Modularbuilding doesn’t always require heavy machinery and other construction machines. As a result, there is minimal noise pollution and greenhouse gas emission due to construction work. In addition, modular structures use alternative energy resources including both solar and wind energy, reducing operational costs.

Modular construction ensures better quality management, reduced product waste and a healthier environment by utilizing off site construction methods. The excellent and consistent quality control of modular construction, makes it a great choice for green projects. 

Modular Buildings for a Healthier Environment

The efficiency and positive aspects of green modular construction are becoming more appealing in order to minimize carbon footprints while acquiring an energy efficient dream home or structure. Modular construction offers the buyer various choices, not only for aesthetic appeal, but also improved energy efficiency. Construction of modular buildings occur off-site resulting in the avoidance of weather delays and reduced waste and toxic fumes, reducing the impact of the environment and creating a smaller carbon footprint.

Incorporating green features including low volume faucets, solar options and walls with increased insulation can all be part of the modular construction design. Planning for efficient appliances also adds to the building green aspect of modular construction. Window placement in coordination with how the structure will be placed on the lot provides efficient use of sunlight and optional features such as collection systems for rooftop rain water can also be integrated into the green construction design.

Ventilation issues taken into consideration during the planning of the building will make it more energy efficient by reducing the need to use air conditioning or fans. The financial benefits experienced with green construction can provide for future savings and a healthier environment. If the need to move ever arises, the mobile nature of modular construction allows the building to be easily transported and relocated which lessens the need for new construction, another way to lower environmental impact. Building green modular structures produces less waste, allows for the addition of energy efficient elements and provides a healthier living space in a shorter amount of time.