Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Maryland Environmental Service Headquarters is certified as LEED® Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. Our Headquarters was the first Maryland State Government building with operations and maintenance practices certified to LEED standards. MES Headquarters achieved 75 points under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance Rating System. The Gold certification marks our commitment to maximize and maintain the efficiency of our building’s existing environmental features, continually seek improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability and create a healthy work environment.
About LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses, and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers, and the larger community. LEED is a rating system that measures the success and impact of a building’s sustainability efforts.
Green Building Initiative
In 2019, MES was awarded a Green Globes certification for Existing Buildings. Buildings that achieve 35% or more of the points possible in the Green Globes rating system are eligible for a certification of one, two, three, or four Green Globes. MES was awarded three green globes which demonstrates leadership in applying best practices regarding energy,
water, and environmental efficiency. More information can be found about the Green Globes and their building certification and assessment programs at https://thegbi.org/.
LEED Certification Features – Green Design, Construction, and Maintenance
Stormwater
The MES stormwater management program is effective in maintaining our site’s bay-friendly stormwater infiltration strategy. The site was designed with six bioretention areas that provide water quality treatment, storage, infiltration, and evaporatraspiration. A 2,000-gallon concrete vault is used to store stormwater to meet peak flows and allow gradual discharge to the 250,000-gallon stormwater management infiltration pond.
Energy
A 599-Kilowatt solar array generates renewable energy on the site. Student and business tours of the solar field promote the use of renewable energy.
Water Efficiency
MES monitors water use to prevent excessive consumption. No fresh water is used to irrigate the site’s landscaping. Instead, MES Headquarters captures rainwater from the roof and stores it in a 5,000-gallon underground cistern for use in irrigation.
Materials and Resources
MES buys Energy Star Compliant products and achieves a 100 percent recycling or reuse rate for obsolete electronics. We conduct an annual waste stream audit, hold regular electronic recycling events, and have a robust in-house recycling program. We also track and encourage sustainable purchasing.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Maintenance ensures our HVAC system delivers an adequate amount of outside air into the building and that chemicals associated with cleaning are tracked and minimized.
Other
MES Headquarters achieved points for the building’s reflective roof, native plantings, and reduction in the use of harmful chemicals used outdoors. The agency’s telecommuting program resulted in LEED credits for the reduction of automobile trips to and from work.
