Austin Day 2 - Ronald Mc Donald

When it comes to "Green" building practices, Austin is clearly in the LEED!:) Both the projects we visited today were focused on sustainable and "green" building practices. The first, "Rondald Mc Donald" house (RMDH) was the first building in Austin to gain the Platinum Certification rating. CEO Kent Bruce explained that RMCH provides lodging and support (meals) for children in nearby hostpitals - up to a year. Studies show that when families are involved kids heal quicker. It is a 31,000 sq. ft. building on a brownfield reclamation site (it used to be an airport.) Every appliance is energy star and sinks are motion sensored. Their 30% potable water savings is due to their reclaimed water system. They capture storm water, then pipe it in through purple PVC. This water is also used for irrigation, giving them a 50% irrigation savings. The roof was painted white, and the building itself was made out of light colored concrete mud and cultured- not quarried- stone obtained from local sources. It was also composed of 40% recycled ash. There is no asphalt on the roads which would soak up heat. Also 40% of the materials were gathered from the area.
They performed a computer simulation of the sun's effect on their building, and built the building specifically to take advantage of low-heat sun and avoid high-heat sun. Because of this, 85% of light in the building is natural light.

Austin Energy supported the cause by giving them a 15 yr. locked-in rate for green water and electricity. Although rates were higher in the beginning, by year 3 their rates were lower than market rates giving them a substantial savings. Another interesting thing is their air technology. No room gets the air from any other room. Humidity is monitored at a 58% (optimal) levels, and temperature is maintained at 78 degrees. Low Voc paint was used, and 80% of waste on the building was recycled. The building's design was meant to nurture and heal using plenty of curves in the building. They specifically got an excellent contractor so no project manager was needed, and workers understood the mission of the building - giving them great incentive to do a good job.
After Hurricane Katrina hit, metal prices went up by 18% raising their total cost from 9.5 Million to 11.3 million. By year 5 of operation, all extra costs for gaining the certification had been met, and now they are enjoying great utility saving.