University of West Alabama Home of State’s First LEED-Certified Multi-Resident Student Apartment Complex with help from SSOE Group and Herrington Architects

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Birmingham, Alabama, December 12, 2012 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, along with Herrington Architects, is proud to announce their involvement in the success of Alabama’s first LEED-certified multi-resident student apartment complex in the state. Hoover Apartments III, IV, and V at The University of West Alabama (UWA) were awarded Silver certification according to the LEED for Homes rating system. The project involves the addition of three new apartment buildings to the existing Hoover Apartment Complex. All three of the new structures recently received LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program.

SSOE provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection (MEP/FP) engineering services on this project and Herrington Architects was responsible for the design. The two-story 9,200 SF buildings were commissioned to accommodate UWA’s growing student population. In order to complement the design of the adjacent apartment buildings, University-blend brick and the same roofing were utilized on all three buildings.

Sustainable highlights of the project include efficient framing techniques for the buildings, recycled flooring and drywall materials, and low-VOC flooring and paint. In addition, the energy systems are 18 percent more efficient than standard building codes require. The landscaping material used is nearly 100% drought-tolerant and is supplemented with a very efficient irrigation system. Indoor air quality is improved with proper fresh air and spot ventilation.

SSOE’s portfolio of LEED certified projects represents more than $1 billion of investment. As such, they are no stranger when it comes to firsts in LEED certification. In addition to their involvement with this project, SSOE is also responsible for the first LEED Platinum automotive manufacturing plant in the world, the first Gold LEED certified central utility plant in the U.S, as well as the first Gold LEED certified facility in the state of Ohio. Currently, SSOE has more than a dozen projects underway at various stages of the LEED certification process around the world.

About SSOE Group

As an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, SSOE is known for delivering unparalleled client value that advances the AEC industry. They have been named a “Great Workplace” (Great Place to Work®) and one of the “Best AEC Firms to Work For” (BD+C).

Over the company’s 75-year history, it has earned a reputation for providing quality project solutions to high-tech and general manufacturing clients in the semiconductor, automotive, battery, food, chemical, and glass industries. SSOE also provides forward-thinking design across healthcare and general building sectors such as corporate workplace, education, and judicial—with projects completed in 40 countries. Visit www.ssoe.com for additional information and career opportunities.

Media Contact:
Jenni Roder
(419) 469-1918
(419) 351-6480 cell
jroder@ssoe.com