Green Circle Shopping Center certified LEED Platinum

A Springfield shopping center is one of the first in the nation to achieve Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design's highest certification level.

Green Circle Shopping Center, 1110 E. Republic Road in Springfield, achieved LEED Platinum status in early February, according to a news release from project architect Hufft Projects LLC.

According to the company, Green Circle is the first retail shopping center in the country to achieve platinum status. According to the LEED Web site, Green Circle is one of only 16 projects - and the only retail shopping center - with platinum certification for LEED CS 2.0, designed for core and shell projects.  

The 23,000-square-foot center uses recycled materials, renewable energy and energy-efficiency technology, as well as using site selection to minimize tree loss. The center achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use.

"I believe we need to continually communicate with all parties involved in order to orchestrate a successful and innovative building," said Hufft Projects President Matthew Hufft in the release. "The Green Circle Shopping Center transformed from a radical idea to becoming the nation's first LEED Platinum shopping center through creative thinking and effective communication.”

The center uses recycled wood composite siding, geothermal heating and cooling, a cistern to collect rainwater and a green roof that includes a rooftop garden, and it is built to accommodate photovoltaic panels.[[In-content Ad]]