Shopping Gets Greener

Abercorn Common in Savannah, Ga., is the first shopping center in America to be certified under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system.

A few years ago, an old grocery store occupied the lot in the heart of Savannah's retail corridor. Melaver Inc., one of the South's foremost developers of green buildings, deconstructed a portion of the old center, salvaged much of the old materials and opened Abercorn Common in the spring of 2006.

"It's called Abercorn Common because a common is a public gathering place," says Melaver CFO Denis Blackburne, "and because we believe that one day this type of development will be the common way of doing business."

To install the shopping center's flush-glazed fenestration systems, Catamount brought in Architectural Glass & Waterproofing of Holly Springs, Ga. The glazier chose aluminum wide-stile doors and thermally broken storefront systems from YKK AP, an architectural products manufacturer committed to environmental sensitivity.

"We chose YKK AP because their plant is near Savannah and LEED credits were available for local suppliers," says Kevin Sheffield, president of Architectural Glass. "We're also working with Catamount in renovating the historic residence where Melaver Construction and Development is project manager, and we're using YKK AP's hurricane-resistant products for that project. "

Melaver Inc., which has eight LEED-certified projects in its portfolio, embraces design and construction practices that reduce or eliminate negative effects of buildings on the environment and occupants. In addition to adopting earth-friendly measures, Melaver encourages everyone involved in its projects-architects, contractors, tenants and shoppers-to think green. Melaver uses eco-friendly building materials and native plant species in landscaping to conserve water.

Abercorn Common is a showcase of sustainable materials and practices. A tight building envelope, efficient glazing, high-efficiency light fixtures and HVAC equipment and a highly-reflective white roof help reduce electricity consumption by more than 30 percent. Low volatile organic compound paints, sealants and adhesives were used throughout the project, improving indoor air quality. High efficiency HVAC units ensure healthy levels of outside air and moisture control. The center's "Shops 600" building has solar hot water heating and a 9,000-square-foot vegetated roof for insulation and storm water management.

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