Platinum, High-Performing Gem Sets a New Benchmark for Green Buildings

The Edith Green Wendell Wyatt (EGWW) federal building with its striking exterior and cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies is a model of seamless compatibility between effective innovative project delivery, sustainable design, and beautiful aesthetics.

Owned by the General Services Administration (GSA), EGWW is home to more than 16 federal agencies and 1,200 federal employees. Built in 1974, the 525,000-square-foot, 18-story tower called for extensive renovations after falling short of federal energy usage requirements. Upgrades and replacements to every building system including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, data, fire, and life safety systems allowed EGWW’s renovations to go above and beyond requirements, reemerging as one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the nation.

EGWW’s success was made possible through adhering to a number of principles of the innovative delivery system, Integrated Project Delivery. As the team met all financial, schedule, and performance goals, the competency of the delivery system was proven. As an integral part of the collaborative system, the team co-located regularly with design professionals, subcontractor estimators and detailers, and the owner in large room settings to optimize the collaborative delivery of the project. The continual collaboration of the three key entities – contractor, designer, and owner – was paramount throughout the duration of the project. As a result, this successful delivery process included $3 million dollars of savings that were recycled back into the project for scope enhancement and priority add-backs.
 
Construction on EGWW concluded in 2013 with a LEED Platinum certification and a state-of-the-art space suited perfectly to its occupants’ needs. EGWW is now a gem within GSA’s green building portfolio, establishing itself at the forefront of contemporary federal buildings.