Central Texas Food Bank’s new facility was rated on building regulations, the integrated design, energy efficiency and performance, water use reduction, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources used, education and equity and innovation.

Top Sustainability Features and Benefits:

• 40.1% energy savings
• Community garden for food production and education
• 75% of construction waste (131 tons) diverted from landfill
• Irrigation water use reduced by 84% and indoor water use reduced by 22.3%
• 39% of building materials comprised of recycled content, 35% of building materials are Texas-sourced materials

With the new, 135,000 s.f. facility more than doubling in size, overhead costs were likely to rise. Implementing green features has saved money in the long run including 29 percent savings of utility costs per square foot versus their older facility and 40 percent in energy savings which earned the Food Bank $24,000 in rebates, equating to 96,000 more meals for the community. In the end, these savings ensure Central Texas Food Bank’s resources are going to where it really matters; families in Central Texas.

Practicing sustainable design not only improves the quality of our environment but also offers several economic and social benefits too, including improving your employee’s productivity, comfort and health and overall morale.

Learn more about the project, here.