Trenton achieved its LEED Gold certification for energy, lighting, water and material use, along with a host of sustainable building strategies.
Specific highlights include a decreasing energy consumption by nearly 39% through building-wide control systems such as energy efficient lighting and heating and cooling systems; operating methods; decrease in water consumption by 1.5 million gallons per annum; and recycling and waste management, with around 90% of the construction waste being recycled.
Building materials of the plant were obtained from regional sources. Zero-Waste-to-Landfill processes are used at the plant to divert waste from landfills. The heat-island effect on the environment has been minimized by using native grasses and trees. The plant also features a white roof, which reflects light.
Trenton South was built on a brownfield site. It is one of the only four auto manufacturing facilities and the only engine manufacturing facility in the world, to achieve a LEED certification.
Chrysler Group achieved the LEED Gold certification with the help of two architect/engineering firms BEI Associates Inc. of Detroit and Harley Ellis Devereaux of Southfield, Mich., and the construction management firm Walbridge of Detroit.
