Description
Owner: Westmoreland Conservation District
Architects: Glance & Associates Inc., Westmoreland Conservation District
Masonry Contractor: Country Farms
Engineer: James W. Pillsbury, PE
Masonry Supplier: R.I. Lampus Co.
GreenForge is a former warehouse that has been renovated using green construction practices. Segmental retaining walls and permeable pavers control stormwater runoff and erosion in the parking area. The concrete masonry products also limit impact to the site, minimizing earthwork and protecting existing trees.
The Eco-Tek pavers and the Loffelstein segmental retaining wall units are colored with EnvironOxide pigment made from iron oxide, a byproduct of abandoned mine drainage. Using the pigment not only helps restore local streams, but adds a warm red-orange hue to GreenForge’s landscaping.
The new office suites feature a geothermal system for heating and cooling, electrical power supplemented by a 3.6-kw solar array, and a 9000 sq ft green roof to supplement stormwater management. Recycled materials were used for interior carpeting, insulation, and flooring.
The Westmoreland Conservation District uses GreenForge to showcase green adaptive reuse of a sustainable site. They offer training and education to raise awareness of green building techniques, and encourage their adoption. Engineers, developers, architects, contractors, and homeowners are invited to see these techniques in action and understand how they work.
