HMH Upholds its Reputation for being "Green"
January 5, 2009
Internally and externally, HMH is spearheading "green" initiatives.
As one of the region’s premiere general contractors, it was a given that HMH would be on the forefront of helping Sacramento become a ‘green’ community. Today, HMH is not only finding success in building two of Sacramento’s largest LEED certified buildings, but it’s also enjoying the rewards of adopting internal ‘green’ business practices.
In 2008, HMH was awarded with the prestigious WRAP (Waste Reduction Awards Program) certificate for its internal business practices, including: adding 40 employees to its long list of LEED accredited professionals; recycling over 21,000 pounds of material; aggressively replacing older trucks in its fleet with hybrid SUVs; and offsetting its fleet’s carbon footprint by 80% through planting trees.
Being environmentally responsible is not a new concept to HMH. For the past two years, it’s been focused on erecting two LEED Gold buildings, including:
California State Teachers’ Retirement System’s (CalSTRS) Headquarters
This 13-story structural steel office tower, constructed over a five-level parking structure, is planning on a LEED Gold certification and located in West Sacramento on the banks of the beautiful Sacramento River. Work on this 6.85 acre site includes a deep pile foundation; a parking structure that houses nearly 1,000 parking stalls; a tower made of a glass and metal panel skin system, which spans the entire height of the building; a full-service cafeteria; a formal boardroom; and a financial trading center.
The 289 foot tall tower will serve as CalSTRS’ Headquarters when complete. CalSTRS, like many public entities, is committed to sustainability, and from the start a LEED Gold Certification was the focus. With low-flow plumbing fixtures and a tucked under parking garage that reduces the building’s carbon footprint and heat absorption, CalSTRS will require 20% less energy and 30% less water to maintain its facility.
The construction team is focused on developing a sustainable building that enhances the productivity and comfort of the employees who inhabit it once complete. This is being achieved with a specialized window system that allows for maximum daylight and views for 90% of the occupied spaces, preferred parking for low-emission vehicles, bike storage, and onsite showering facilities.
Natomas Gateway Tower
Located on a 15-acre site, north of downtown Sacramento, this 340,000-square-foot building is designed for large corporate tenants. Work on this 12- story building features: a large lobby; five elevators and a freight elevator; a restaurant and retail space, which will serve the six buildings in the existing office park; and over 1,200 parking spaces. From the heights of the building the Sacramento River and American River can be seen merging, views of downtown Sacramento and Old Sacramento are grand and the Sutter Buttes can be seen from afar.
Tenants will enjoy the benefits of the sustainable features, including: parking in the shade provided by photovoltaic structures, which will capture precious sunlight and use it to supplement the building’s energy consumption; outdoor views for over 75% of the occupied spaces; and an environment free of harmful chemicals such as urea-formaldehyde and excessive levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
The environment and local economy will benefit with building materials having over 20% recycled content and by 10 % of the materials having been harvested and manufactured by local businesses. Additionally, over 90% of construction waste will be diverted from local landfills and 50% of all wood will be Forest Stewardship Council certified.
Stewards of the Environment
HMH thrives on building sustainably and embraces green practices in its projects and business. From driving hybrid vehicles and offsetting its carbon footprint to building LEED certified buildings, HMH is an environmentally responsible trendsetter.
