The Lauderhill Transit Center recently celebrated its achievement of the prestigious LEEDv4 Transit Station Gold certification, becoming the first project in Florida and the entire United States to earn this esteemed Gold-level accolade. This recognition underscores the project’s exceptional commitment to sustainable design, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
The LEEDv4 Transit Station Gold certification signifies the Lauderhill Transit Center’s exemplary performance across various sustainability categories, including water and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and transportation accessibility. This certification validates the project’s adherence to the highest standards of green building practices and its positive impact on both the environment and the community it serves.
Spinnaker Group, a Division of SOCOTEC, played a crucial role in this achievement, serving as the LEED Consultants, Commissioning Agents, and Energy Modelers for the Lauderhill Transit Center. They implemented sustainable strategies that were instrumental in meeting the rigorous requirements set forth by the LEEDv4 certification.
“It has been an absolute pleasure collaborating with the exceptional project team on the Lauderhill Transit Center,” said Rafael Sánchez, Director of Sustainability at Spinnaker Group, who expressed his delight in working with the entire project team. “Through integrative design and close collaboration, we were able to seamlessly integrate sustainability principles and achieve the LEEDv4 Transit Station Gold certification. This accomplishment exemplifies our collective commitment to building a greener future and creating sustainable transportation solutions for the community.”
He noted that one of the unique features of this transit project that differs from other LEED building projects is the focus on intermodal connectivity to connect people and places, while maximize utilization of public transportation and bicycle connectivity to the station. The station provides bus routes that are direct or make short route connections to the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, the Tri-Rail Station, and the Water Taxi in Ft. Lauderdale.
Broward County, the proud owner of the Lauderhill Transit Center, recognized the importance of sustainable infrastructure and made a significant investment in developing a state-of-the-art facility that aligns with its environmental goals. Through their visionary leadership, Broward County Transit has provided a model for other transit centers to follow, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for the region.
Saltz Michelson Architects, the esteemed architectural firm, has contributed their expertise and creative vision to bring the Lauderhill Transit Center to life. Their thoughtful design approach, integrating functionality, aesthetics, and sustainable designs, have resulted in a transit center that not only meets the needs of the community but also provides beauty and art.
Delta G, the MEP Engineers for the project, played a vital role in ensuring the Lauderhill Transit Center’s seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Their innovative engineering solutions, focused on energy efficiency and sustainable practices, have contributed to the overall success of the project.
One of the center’s notable features includes solar canopies strategically installed around the station and bus loading area. These solar canopies, including a solar array, harness clean, renewable energy from the sun and generate more than 100% of the building’s energy needs. By effectively utilizing solar power, the Lauderhill Transit Center has achieved net positive energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and operating costs.
The LEEDv4 Transit Station Gold certification, coupled with the center’s net zero energy capabilities, exemplifies the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the Lauderhill Transit Center project. It showcases their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, while providing a functional and environmentally responsible facility.
As the first LEED Transit Station Gold certified project in Florida and the United States, the Lauderhill Transit Center has set a new standard for sustainable public transportation infrastructure. This achievement demonstrates Broward County’s commitment to environmental stewardship, enhances the quality of life for its residents, and serves as an inspiration for future sustainable development projects. SOCOTEC Group, a leader in construction inspection and a major player in TIC for the construction and infrastructure sectors, the SOCOTEC Group has 200,000 clients with operations in 26 countries, 11,300 employees and over 250 external recognitions.
