Scottsdale Senior Center at Granite Reef

Scottsdale, Arizona

The Scottsdale Senior Center at Granite Reef earned LEED Gold certification, making it the first building to meet the City of Scottsdale’s policy to build all facilities to achieve LEED Gold certification and the first senior center in the State of Arizona to earn LEED certification. This showcase of sustainable design consists of a dance hall, billiards and table tennis rooms, dining and kitchen facilities, a fitness/exercise room, a computer lab, office spaces and classrooms. The center is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the city because the building envelope and mechanical systems were designed to dramatically exceed energy standards. The local utility, SRP, partnered to install integrated photovoltaic systems which are showcased in the courtyard shade structure. Depending on the time of year, this system generates between 15% and 100% of the center’s power needs.

Sustainable Strategies

• 40 Kilowatt solar electric (photovoltaic) system provides 15% to 100% of required energy depending on time of year (SRP partnership)

• Green cleaning and green building education programs were implemented

• Low-emitting finishes and inert materials reduce occupant exposure to formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) commonly found in the atmosphere of new buildings

• Exterior and interior glazing strategies provide extensive outdoor views and natural daylighting throughout, while reducing indoor electrical lighting loads

• Wood products are from sustainably managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that assures minimum environmental impact

Project Results

• LEED for New Construction GOLD level achieved

• 47% energy cost savings above ASHRAE 90.1-1999 energy standard

• 52% savings of potable water use for irrigation

• 78% of construction waste diverted from the landfill

• 70% of building materials manufactured within a 500 mile radius